If it was not for contracting a serious illness in 1937 Mr Balmer’s race walking career might never have started.

To be ill with diphtheria even at a tender age of 26 was considered at that time to be life threatening as there was no known cure apart from rest and a strict diet. Although penicillin had been discovered it was not available to the general public until 1941.

Luckily he pulled through and was advised by his doctor during his convalescence that fresh air and walking would aid his recovery.
So when he returned to work at the gentlemen outfitters, Horne Brothers at Brighton, he had acquired a taste for lengthy strolls and decided to convert his new found enjoyable pastime into a sporting activity. A certain work colleague, Mr L. Stannard suggested that he join his club the Brighton & County Harriers, the oldest walking club in Sussex.

Specialised walking shoes had to be bought and being in the clothing and footwear trade he ordered a bespoke shoe made of thin supple leather with a small sole; “it was so light that you could easily bend the shoe in two in the palm of your hand”.

The club had an enviable history and some senior members recounted the achievements of George Larner who in the 1908 London Olympics games won the 3,500 metres and the 10 miles event.

Training then started in earnest and consisted of steady walking three or four times a week in order to build up stamina, suppleness and strength; Mr Balmer made the comment “the race is a piece of cake but the hardest part was the training”.

Having a Wednesday afternoon free from work allowed a more lengthy training session and with his friend from work undertook long distance walking and it was not unusual to walk “from Brighton to Lewes, over the “Downs” or even to Eastbourne or Arundel and back”
Additionally the fitness regime was supplemented by early morning circular jaunts from Brighton Race Course to Woodingdean thence to Rottingdean along the Brighton seafront and then back home covering a distance of some 9 miles. Then after a wash and breakfast it then seemed an easy 2 mile stroll to work and started the day feeling very fresh and relaxed.

In the evening the club met at Preston Park where the coaches would try to fine tune technique and to give general encouragement and advice. One of the more noticeable trainers was an ex-Olympic competitor, a man who resided at the local St Dunstan’s home; an establishment for blind ex-serviceman. He was gifted in ascertaining levels of fitness by passing his hands over athlete’s legs to feel the muscle tone.

Within a short period of time Mr Balmer was good enough to put his name forward for completion races and remembers well two races that he particularly enjoyed. He can recall a handicap race at Priory park, Bognor, Sussex against well regarded walkers and although given a good handicap he was well beaten.

Then on the 2nd August 1939 with his pal he travelled to Carlisle Parade, Hastings for the annual 37 mile walk to Brighton. There were 33 starters including T.E. Richardson the world record holder for the 100 mile track and the winner of the event for two years running. The other highly rated entrants were A.H.G. Pope the world record holder for 5, 7 and 8 mile track as well as J.F.L Henderson winner of the London to Brighton and back race in 1937.

The skies were dull and the air humid at the start of the race but as the day progressed the weather conditions proved too hot for fast walking as was borne out by Mr Balmer losing 8 pounds in weight.

Being keen “to have a go” he was lying third by the time they reached Polegate some 5 miles from the start however experienced walkers soon caught up with him and he gradually fell back in the field.

With the heat beginning to take its toll as he negotiated the hill in High Street, Lewes the St Dunstan’s trainer came to his aid by handing over some lumps of sugar dressed in brandy. This injection of glucose plus the medicinal properties of the spirit seemed to breathe new life into his legs and he found a faster gear whilst exiting the town centre.

At this point his brother-in-law Harry Varney was bicycling by his side urging him on and supplying liquid refreshments on the final stage leading into Brighton.

Urged on by holidaymakers Mr Balmer crossed the finishing line, opposite St Peter’s church, in 20th position having recorded a time of 6 hours and 50 minutes and 31 seconds earning a second class standard medal for finishing under 7 hours.

T.W. Richardson retained his title with a time of 5 hours and 55 minutes and 56 seconds with J.F.L Henderson close behind at 6 hours and 31 seconds and at third place A.H.G Pope finishing at 6 hours 11 minutes and 23 seconds.

From the starters 11 failed to complete the course and Mr. Stannard bravely managed to complete the event being the last of the finishers on 7 hours 33 minutes and 41 seconds having been slowed down by blood blisters.

The club recognised Mr Balmer’s progress by awarding him a trophy cup for the most improved athlete at the A.G.M meeting in 1939, a prize he still covets to this day.

The next special date on the calendar was the annual London to Brighton walk and in preparation he walked from Brighton to Fulham London to see his sister Hilda and brother in law Harry. Tragically both would be dead by the end of the war with his sister succumbing to meningitis and Harry killed in action during the Burma campaign.

Being a high profile race it was hoped that Harold Whitlock the 1934 winner and the 1936 Berlin Olympic gold medallist for the 50,000 metre event, would take part. However European political events soon had a profound effect upon the life of the nation and exactly 1 month and 1 day after the Hastings to Brighton walk war was declared on Germany. Mr Balmer’s call up papers arrived later and was conscripted into the army where his fitness was soon tested on route marches.

Consequently he never took part in any races as the next five years were taken up in the service of his country.

(Extract from an interview between his sons Richard on 21st June 1994)