A long-serving nurse at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has won four international gold medals following decades of experience in martial arts.
David Hipgrave, who works as a community specialist nurse in the Older Adults Therapeutic Service for Dudley, is no stranger to martial arts success as his latest title, which he won at the World Martial Arts Championships in Greece, was his fourth gold medal.
He took home a gold and silver at the World Championships with Team GB in Sicily in 2016; a gold and a bronze at the World Championships with Team GB in England 2018 and bagged gold at the World Championships in Geneva in 2019.
His latest success in Greece was particularly important as the day coincided with his 61st birthday – but he has no intention of slowing down.
David said: “I enjoy my sport due to the physical and mental challenges it presents, I don’t have any retirement plans from competing just yet.”
David, who is from Walsall, has also been inducted in the Martials Arts Hall of Fame twice and has won a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his service to the sport, which began when he was just seven years old.
He started at a karate club, inspired by his judo-loving auntie, and over the years has led his own club, shared his skills through coaching and now also judges competitions.
As well as martial arts, nursing has been an integral part of his life. He has been a nurse since 1982, and has worked with the Older Adult Therapeutic Service since it formed in May 2022.
David explained: “I love working with older adults, it’s a hugely rewarding job. Martial arts is important to me as it’s good to pursue a passion and have a release. I like having something to strive for.”
As well as nursing and martial arts, David uses his platform from his sporting success to raise money for various charities. Over the years he has raised £3,000 for Dementia UK and Nerve Tumour UK respectively, alongside raising £600 for Macmillan Cancer Support by taking on a sponsored swim covering the equivalent length of the English Channel.
He will continue his fundraising in 2024 when his chosen charity for the year will be Myloma UK.
David has been celebrated for this sporting success and charity work, from being invited to turn on Christmas lights at Bantock House in Wolverhampton to displaying his World Championship belts at the Mayor’s Parlour in Walsall.