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organising groups for a day Sydenham. He showed Team to be selected, and on
at the races too, while Nick compassion for others as his the back of what was by any
bumped into him at the recent visits to Tony Weeks- standards very little training
Henley Regatta in 2009. Pearson in Hastings and to astonished more celebrated
Secondly, Graham was deeply Alan and Brenda Brent in team members including
understanding in nature. He Beckenham testify. internationals by completing
was sympathetic, tolerant Together with Graham’s 30 individual miles with
and wise in his dealings infectious camaraderie and just over 40 minutes rest
with people. Amongst other his understanding nature he between them in an average
things he was a caring and had a third quality, that of time of 4:54.8. A proud
a responsible godfather, determination and stamina. record of determination and
turning up unannounced at Whilst Graham qualified stamina. One if his major
important times…birthdays, as a PE teacher at St John’s disappointments was that he
Christmas...with presents College, York, he began his never broke 2 minutes for 800
for godsons and real interest business career in men’s metres but came close with
in their latest achievements. fashion clothing before 2.00.3 which Nick witnessed
Despite his illness he made moving on to sports clothing in 1974.
the long trek to Newcastle and his travel business at
to see his godson Peter in Crystal Palace. He gamefully Ian knew Graham first from
2015 for a match at St James employed many budding the mid 1960’s but really got
Park where much beer was athletes at his sports shop to know him well at the 1970
consumed apparently. He in Crystal Palace so they Commonwealth Games in
made telephone calls from could earn money and Edinburgh. Ian was staying
far away to comfort the continue to train. At this in a B&B close to the stadium
bereaved and their children time he was a promising and when he met Graham he
too. He also raised money in club athlete, runner-up in told him that he was staying
the early days of fun runs for the Kent steeplechase in at the main line station! One
St Christopher’s Hospice in 1972 squeezing under 9:30, morning he joined the group
the Blackheath club 800m at their B&B for breakfast
champion in the same year. and the landlady was giving
He competed as a member of him some strange looks
the club teams in the Kent, but said nothing. Later they
Southern and National Cross found out that she thought he
Country Championships. was the Australian, Malcolm
He was in the early days an Baird, who was second to
active coach with the younger David Hemery in the 110m
members of the club. He later hurdles that had been held
confided that for him, his best the day before. Both were a
performance was in the 24 similar size and shape! Ian
hour 10 man X 1 mile relay on often wonders if this was
13th/14th April 1973. As one when he got the idea of a
of the team that set a world sports tour business.
best time that year, Graham
was the last member of the Those who went on his
tours will be aware that his
