Nicola Hopkinson Tribute  

Feb 202024
 

Message from Club Chairman Ernie Forsyth:-

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart (broken ) that I pass on this devastating news
We have been informed by Robin Davis that Ilford AC stalwart, Nicola Hopkinson, has passed away after a long and brave battle against cancer.
This is terribly sad news for everybody who was fortunate enough to have had their lives touched by Nicola. Our love, condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Nicola’s family. 😓😓

 

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    Tributes to Nicola

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    Tribute
    Kareem Beckett-Edwards
    R.I.P to Nicola I remember when I used to come athletics with my brother and dad and she would always be so positive and always full of respect. Always there for everyone and was always saying hello to me and my brother. My condolences go to her family may she rest in heaven
    Pauline Tester
    RIP Nic - A life well lived. I will miss our walks, runs and swims together. A great IAC member in all respects.
    Paul King
    Such tragic news
    My thoughts are with Nicola and her family x
    Steve Uttley
    I communicated with Nicola many times and she was extremely diligent in all she did. I'm extremely sorry she has died. Steve Uttley
    Launa Broadley
    Nicola, you will be missed greatly. You have been a tremendous support in helping others realise their potential. You are one of my biggest cheerleaders and I appreciate You. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many over the decades. Now it is time to wish you goodnight. RIP ?
    Dianne & Neil
    Nic Hoppo, our dear team mate, friend and past president.
    Nic always supported IAC using her skills on the subscriptions. You were fab at getting people to pay on time. Also always helping the club organising race entries. Nic attended Track & Field judge courses so that she could help out at the track meets in recent years.
    Nic ran some fantastic marathons, xcountry Triathlon’s and cold water swims. Amongst her successes and achievements Nic was named on the Majors wall of fame.
    We always loved hearing about Nic’s adventurous holidays invariably involving some sport!
    We will remember you while running along the hospital path and park at Seven kings where we used to meet you especially during your treatment and covid to walk and chat.
    You were very positive and brave throughout the last 4 years, an inspiration to us all. You left us too soon.

    We miss you loads,
    Dianne & Neil.
    Sharon Honey
    It was such a privilege to know Nicola as a friend and fellow runner. She epitomised everything that is Ilford AC and was always so upbeat and lived life to the full. I was fortunate to go for many walks with her in the last few years and she always insisted my dog Poppy came along too. They had a very special bond. We will miss her. RIP Nic xx
    Diarmuid MacDonnell
    Rest in peace, Nicola.
    Your spirit lives on and whenever we wear the Ilford vest you will be there with us roaring us on! Our gratitude is eternal.
    Dave Ainsworth
    Much missed Nicola was a lovely lady and a truly committed stalwart of our Club. A most diligent Membership/Subscriptions Officer. Her loss is so, so sad. Dave Ainsworth
    Carol muir
    nicola was such an inspiration to everyone,always there to support everyone with their running and social events. She great support for me at my 100,250,500 parkrun .she will missed by everyone. R i p nicola.
    Sharon
    I don't think I saw Nicola looking unhappy. She was always friendly and chatty. She will be missed.
    Sheila
    Nicola was such an inspiration to us and an all-round athlete who achieved so much. She always had a smile on a face and had such a warm and friendly personality. She will be greatly missed. RIP Nicola
    Mart
    Nic… I know for a fact you would have collared a fellow travelling soul for a lift to the pearly gates where, accompanied by your entry box of tricks and multi version forms, you would have met with the supreme and ultimate Entries Secretary St Peter manning the desk. Besieged by your endless and muddled witterings and after a quick check that the quality of your warm-up was in order he would henceforth have waved you through without further delay. Rest in Peace dear friend. ❤️
    Sally Gillam
    It is hard to process the fact that Nicola is no longer with us. We were great friends from about 2003. I first really connected with her when we were running up the hill to the Bald Hind on a long training run for the London Marathon and I mentioned I was looking for someone to climb Kilimanjaro with. She had agreed to come before we had reached the top of the hill. That led onto many holidays together whether running or for travelling. In the last week as I have been thinking about what to write in this tribute, I have thought of so many memories of the fun we had together.
    She was a great runner especially over the marathon distance. She was also conscious of the pecking order so when we ran Le marathon du Medoc to celebrate our 50th birthdays (a full marathon with hills, wine stops and compulsory fancy dress – Nicola was Twiggy, I was Dusty Springfield – 60’s icons) we ran together, drank at every wine stop - wine and water which meant numerous toilets stops, then we crossed the line together. When we looked at the results, I appeared first by virtue of my surname appearing first in the alphabet. She was a little disgruntled but when I explained, we laughed. Nicola was competitive to the bone.
    As well as being a loyal team runner at IAC, Nicola went onto be an important member of the race organising team, a track and field official, a committee member and an active President of the club. She also gave generously to the club financially. Despite my departure from Ilford, we always kept in touch and she visited me in both Harwich and Paris. She will be missed by many. She fought the cancer bravely and it was only towards the end that her struggles were evident. I know she wants us to celebrate her life and I hope that we will all get the chance to do so at some point. Death is life’s greatest certainty and I salute Nicola for living her life to the full (the 6 marathon majors – respect) and visiting every continent. Rest in Peace Nicola.
    Julie Gillender
    Nicola was a great inspiration to me with my running. She will be sadly missed by everyone in IAC. RIP Nicola.
    Stephen philcox
    I will miss Nicola for her friendship, kind and warm personality.With a passion and talent for running our club will be forever poorer for your passing.R.I.P
    James Huddart
    It was a great pleasure to have known Nicola, she was such a great asset to Ilford A/C & a great inspiration to all the members. She was such a kind, generous & brave lady. Rest in Peace Dear Nicola ???
    Terry Knightley
    I have known Nicola at Ilford AC for well over twenty years and she will be missed by all - RIP Nicola x
    Billy Green
    I had known Nicola for 15+ years and shall always remember how determined she was in everything she did, whether it was chasing up subscriptions, organising races, preparing herself on race day or training for Marathons.
    I did many long training runs with Nicola back in the day, and there was never any awkward silences mainly because she was so enthusiastic and chatty but also because her pace meant I struggled to speak myself.
    These last couple of years I never heard her complain once about her condition or have a 'why me' attitude she just fought it with the same determination she faced everything else.
    On one of our last conversations I told her how much I admired all her marathons and she thanked me and said that they were her proudest achievements.

    We'll all miss you Nicola xx
    Alison
    Such a cheerful, friendly lady - always a smile on her face, she was an inspiration to many of us through her running & her attitude to life.
    RIP Nicola x
    Steve Parker
    I will miss Nicola. Always smiling. We spent a lot of happy times swimming and on long bike rides, often stopping in a tea shop. We rode the Surry London 100 mile together and she said she was on a mission. Such energy and determination. I drove her to and from hospital many times for her treatment. Not once was she ever depressed about her condition.
    She is an inspiration in so many ways to all of us.
    Tony Nixon
    When someone who is a real cornerstone of the club passes on it brings an extra sense of loss to all club members. So it is with real sadness that I join our fellow club members in paying my respects and passing on my love to Nicola and family. Tony
    Kim
    RIP Nicola , so sad to loose one of the genuine good guys too soon ❤️
    Peter Spelman
    I count Nicola both as a valued friend and a brilliant runner. She was a massive inspiration to me with her willingness to travel all round the world to compete in marathons. Nicola willingly gave a lot of her time and energy to Ilford AC and made a real difference to the club. She will be missed!
    Danny Holeyman
    I only knew Nicola for a few years but within a short space of time of meeting her I realised what a selfless person she was and how dedicated she was to the Club and the Sport. I have fond memories of her time as President and presenting young Ryan with one of his club trophies. I also recall tracking her performance in the Boston marathon with great interest and admiration. It takes a special person to have the determination to be a six star major marathon finisher. The club is a better place for Nic having been involved - thank you for that Nicola. You were taken too young but I’m glad you are at peace now.
    John Batchelor
    Terribly sad news about a lovely, friendly lady who put in such great service to our Club and was clearly a shining light to all. RIP Nicola
    Gaye
    Nicola had such a great way to be cheerful and lift your spirits with her stories and never ending chatter. She had a wonderful way of making you feel positive about how you were performing with your running and would offer helpful tips to help you improve. She was incredibly proud of Ilford AC and never missed an opportunity to invite people to sign up after a couple of weeks of training with us. I thoroughly enjoyed her enthusiasm and her high energy levels and her running achievements were honestly amazing.
    Alan Pearl
    Fond memories of our training and fund raising for the 2019 London Surrey 100mile bike ride, where you completed your London Classics. A top all round athlete and invaluable Ilford AC club administrator and volunteer. Ultra competitive but with a heart of GOLD.

    Rest Peacefully Nicola x
    Melinda Jones
    Nicola I will miss our runs, our swims, our walks, our cycles and most of all our social get togethers. I feel blessed that we were able to ski in France last year as your last holiday wish. Your courage was inspirational during your treatment. I feel privileged to have known you. Rest in peace Nicola and do a lap for me in Heaven.
    Ernie
    How do you begin to write a tribute when the pain and sense of loss is so raw.
    Nicola and I spent so much time together travelling to and from hospital appointments, track and field competitions and various races. We spoke at great lengths about her diagnosis and cancer treatments. I believe that Nic felt that as a former cancer sufferer I may have been able to discuss the mental, physical and emotional effects of this horrible disease.
    The best advise that I could give Nic was to be positive, rely on friends and family and don't be afraid to ask pertinent questions about her treatment. I know that Nicola really appreciated the support that she received from friends and family, whether it was accompanying her to appointments,taking time for a telephone conversation or a walk over the park.
    I am sure that Nicola's stubbornness and sheer will to fight this disease and not let it dominate the goals that she had set for herself extended her life when many others would have succumbed to it a lot earlier.
    Nicola's passion for life was never in doubt, whether it was running, cycling , swimming or skiing, Nic was a fierce and successful competitor admired by all.
    Whether Nic was competing, judging
    Or carrying out administrative work she always gave her very best.She was a great field judge, brilliant administrator and an integral part of the Ilford AC family.
    Spending time with Nic was always a great pleasure and it is very difficult to come the realisation that we will not see her again or hear her constant chat or see her big smile. I will always smile when I remember Nic and count myself blessed to have known her and spent time in her company.
    Our deepest condolences to Nicola's family, friends and Ilford AC membership.
    It will take us all a long time to process this loss.
    Rest in peace Nic, nobody could have fought harder for so long
    We will miss you so much and try to live our lives mirroring your determination and passion.
    Blessed memories
    Ernie
    Frieda Keane
    Nicola welcomed everyone to the club.
    Her positive attitude and desire to make the most of every day throughout her illness will remain an inspiration- just like her marathon running.
    We will not forget you xxx
    Susan, Rhys and Ronan
    In our few years at Ilford Athletics Club Nicola has stood out as an amazing club member who firstly warmly welcomed us all and then regularly gave so generously of her time as a Field Official at so many matches.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Nicolas family and friends. Rest in Peace Nicola.
    X
    Akwasi :Nkrumah
    Sorry to hear, and our deepest Condolences to the family. In the short time of knowing Nicola, she has been smiley and welcoming. Rest In Peace...
    Claire Levey
    Such sad news to hear for such a lovely lady. RIP Nicola. My thoughts and prayers to your family and friends. You will be missed by all your friendds at IAC x
    Satha
    what an individual Nicola is. Really very sad to hear this devastating news. Nicola is very helpful, very kind and most positive person. My heartfelt condolences to Nicola's family and friends. Its a shocking news to the club and her club mates. My last interaction with nicola was during the ELVIS club 5 miler in July last year. RIP my friend
    Joe Ramen
    Your memory will live on as this tree blossoms and grows.
    Sam Malekout
    So sorry to hear this news. Nicola was such a big part of Ilford AC, always really friendly and a pleasure to be around. Rest well Nicola ?
    Andy
    Desperately sad news.
    Nicola was a former club President, long serving committee member, membership officer and a talented runner. She will be very sadly missed by all at IAC

     

      Centurion 661 Mick Barnbrook R.I.P.  

    Feb 192024
     
    So sad to inform Mick Barnbrook, aged 80, passed away after a long illness. His passing was peaceful, at 9pm on Wednesday 14th February.  Mick was born in Romford’s Oldchurch Hospital and brought up in Plaistow.
     
    His active athletics career spanned 49 years, during which he race walked in 1st claim capacity for Cambridge Harriers, Ilford AC, Sarnia WC, Ilford AC again as well as The Centurions, Metropolitan Police and the British Police Representative teams.  He also had a 6 years’ unattached spell after leaving Cambridge Harriers and joining Ilford AC.  He was one of 6 race walkers (all Centurions) to pass 100 completions of the London Post Office 9 kilometres yacht handicap races at Blackheath Park – he finished 108.
     
    His achieved Centurion status at the 1979 Ewhurst 100 Miles when clocking 21 hours, 59 minutes and 05 seconds to become Member No. 661.  Mick achieved another sub-24 hours clocking for the 100 miles’ distance at The John Hedgethorne Memorial 100 Miles at Colchester’s Lower Castle Park in 2001.
    Condolence cards to :
    Mrs. Sharon Barnbrook,
    23 Cliffsend Road,
    Cliffsend,
    Ramsgate.
    Kent.  CT12 5ED
    Ilford AC’s Walking Section were sorry to hear of Mick Barnbrook’s death, after long illness, aged 80.  He was born in Romford’s new demolished Oldchurch Hospital and brought up in Plaistow. Early talents were seen at table tennis venues, where he once played the late Chester Barnes in a league match, losing narrowly. He was a solid Clubman in athletics, who enjoyed participating in both running and race walking, before concentrating on the latter. In 2 spells with Ilford AC, as a true all-rounder, he clocked up many appearances over all distances.  In 49 years of continuous athletics he only dropped out of one event!  He was a “rank-and-file” competitor who was always there, his best medal being a silver team medal in Ilford’s team in the 2001 National 100 Miles Championship at Colchester’s Lower Castle Park.  A retired Metropolitan Police Inspector he gained representative honours for the British Police race walking team. On retirement he relocated to Ramsgate.
     
    Picture supplied by rival Club member, Commonwealth Games walker Rob Elliott, who added : Rest in Peace Mick. A valued competitor who did so much. Rob Elliott.

      Gerry Pells – RIP  

    Sep 212023
     

    It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gerry Pells:-

    If you would like to leave a tribute please email: tributes@ilfordathleticclub.co.uk

    Eulogy

    I am really not quite sure when was the first time I met Gerry at our club. At Ilford AC he was just always there, part of the club fabric. I know I am just a few years younger but, meant in the nicest way, Gerry had always looked old. But that had the huge advantage that he never seemed to age.

    And of course he was always young at heart and was at every club event, competition and definitely every social function and enjoyed the company of younger club members.

    Actually we started as rivals within the club. Gerry got involved in coaching a young upstart, Brian Meadows, who was trying to beat me. Obviously I wasn’t having any of that and I think between them they only managed it the once. Despite that Gerry, like his Dad Alf, was a great coach. Whilst never wishing to qualify as an official coach, he was always keen to mentor newcomers to the club and share with them the knowledge he had picked up from all the world-famous distance running coaches whose manuals he studied closely. And as mentioned he played a significant role in nurturing the mercurial talent of the young Brian Meadows and helped him to achieve his potential in the 800 metres as a junior. He was a great motivator and also good at picking you up if you were down after a poor performance with his positivity and enthusiasm.

    Gerry joined Ilford on 1st of April 1949 and was a totally dedicated and passionate one-club man and he went on to perform for the club regularly and with distinction for six decades.

    Unfortunately, I have little record of Gerry’s early sprinting career at the club but he was rightly proud of the fact that he competed in the shortest event 60 yards and the longest event the marathon on the AAA calendar. Initially a sprinter, he was part of the Ilford medley relay team that won a AAA bronze medal in 1965 and 11 years later he won an Essex County over 40 silver medal over 100 metres in a time of 11.9 secs. Gerry by then was already moving into the longer distances and by 1987 achieved the best of his 24 marathon times in the St Albans Marathon clocking 3 hrs 17 minutes at the age of 52.

    He was a consistent trainer and racer well into his later years, achieving a National Vets over 60 silver medal in 1997 at the Hastings Half Marathon in an impressive 92 minutes and bowed out on his racing career with a 27min 23sec clocking at the Hyde Park 5k road race in 2008 as a 73 year old. His favourite races were the Offa’s Dyke 15 mile fell race, where he led many Ilford raiding parties (13 in total) between 1984 and 1998, and the Windermere Marathon.

    In addition to competing Gerry was always involved in all club activities outside of racing. He served on the club committee and was honoured to be elected as our club President on two occasions in 1981 and 2014. Gerry took on the organisation of the club 75th anniversary reunion, as he liked nothing more than a trip down memory lane with all the friends and colleagues whom he had encountered across the years.

    Gerry was a gifted photographer and enjoyed capturing both the beauty of the Lake District in autumn and in equal measure the grace and power of his track and field subjects and of course his own family. He gifted many athletes wonderful photographic memories of their performances and indeed other special occasions like their weddings. Also there were the terrific photographic records of the many holidays he and Jill enjoyed with Gill & Les Hislop.

    Gerry was an avid reader and would always be ready with book recommendations for fellow club members or wanting to hear if we had interesting literature tips for him.

    Having been ever present on the Ilford AC social circle for many many years, including all the putting the world to rights sessions at The Cauliflower, The Joker, The Red Cow, The White Horse and lastly The Fairlop Oak and his much loved weekly outings with his longstanding pal Les, Gerry had to step back in order to devote himself fully to the care of Jill. Jill the love of his life whom he had actually first met at the Club, both aged 16, in the 1950.  His devotion to Jill was truly inspirational and nobody could have done more to help her through her sad decline with dementia.

    A gentle man and a true gentleman and much respected Ilford AC member who will be greatly missed.

    Andy Catton

    Tributes:-

    Sad to see the passing of a tremendously loyal Ilford AC member and close friend.

    Gerry was a one-club man and performed for the club regularly and with distinction for six decades.

    He was rightly proud of the fact that he competed in the shortest (Senior Men 60 yards) and longest (over 50 vets marathon) events on the AAA calendar having qualified by virtue of his times. Initially a sprinter, he was part of the Ilford medley relay team which won a AAA bronze medal in 1965 and 11 years later he won an Essex County Vet 40 silver medal at 100 metres in a time of 11.9 secs. Gerry was already moving into the longer distances and by 1987 achieved the best of his 24 marathon times in the St Albans Marathon clocking 3 hrs 17 min 49 sec at age 52.

    He was a consistent trainer and racer well into his later years, achieving a National Vets over 60 silver medal in 1997 at the Hastings Half Marathon in an impressive 92 min 58sec and bowed out on his racing career with a 27min 23sec clocking at the Hyde Park 5k road race in 2008 as a 73 year old. His favourite races were the Offa’s Dyke 15 mile fell race (where he led many Ilford raiding parties between 1984 and 1998) and the Windermere Marathon.

    Gerry was always involved in club activities outside of racing too. He served in various committee roles and took on the organisation of the 75th anniversary reunion, as he liked nothing more than a trip down memory lane with all the colleagues whom he had encountered across the years.

    Whilst not a qualified coach, he was always keen to mentor newcomers to the club and share with them the knowledge he had picked up from all the world-famous distance running coaches whose manuals he studied closely. He played a significant role in nurturing the mercurial talent of a young Brian Meadows and helped him to achieve his potential in the 800 metres as a junior. He would pick you up if you were down after a poor performance – I have rarely met a more positive and enthusiastic man.

    He was a gifted photographer and enjoyed capturing the beauty of the Lake District in autumn in equal measure to the grace and power of his track and field subjects. My most prized wedding gift remains the three informal photo albums which he compiled as a guest on my big day.

    Gerry was an avid reader and would always be ready with a recommendation for me in our regular telephone chats in later years. He was a spiritual man and in more recent times immersed himself in the study of Zen Buddhism which provided him with great comfort.

    Having been ever present in the Ilford AC social circle for so many years (The Joker and The Cauliflower and later on The White Horse, Chadwell Heath and The Fairlop Oak) Gerry had to step back in order to devote himself fully to the care of Jill – the love of his life whom he had actually first met at the Club in the sixties – who had succumbed to the ravages of vascular dementia on top of type 1 diabetes. His devotion to Jill was truly inspirational and nobody could have done more to alleviate her sad decline. Gerry never really got over Jill’s loss and the removal of the rigid structure he had put in place to manage Jill’s healthcare seemed to leave him in limbo. He himself was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s in the summer of 2022 and a rapid deterioration culminated in his death following a severe sepsis infection.

    A gentle man and a true gentleman.

    Proud and optimistic.

    Ilford through and through.

    John Mackenzie

    He served 2 separate terms Ilford President and for a decades was an outstanding photographer with work published in, and acknowledged by, Athletics Weekly and other respected publications.  He was one of race walking’s greatest friends – indeed he attended Ilford’s 2014 Walkers’ Luncheon at “The Harrow” which recognised 40 years since Roger Mills earned a European 20K bronze medal at Rome and since the first time Ilford AC closed home a full team of 3 (Dave Neagle/Alan Barber/Dave Ainsworth) in a 100 miles’ race (1974 Leicester-to-Skegness). On that occasion Gerry (as President) presented a souvenier programme of the last ever London-to-Brighton Walk to Centurion Steve King. His health wasn’t good in recent times – which was sad for one so long involved in athletics.  Widower Gerry, 89, was one of the most active members Ilford AC ever had and came from a family who also strongly contributed to Ilford AC’s success.  Dave Ainsworth

    Another stalwart lost. Don’t know if you ever met his dad Alf. The double for Lionel Jeffries. Ex military PTI, perfect gentleman, terrific Sprint Coach and wonderful sense of humour. Like his son, dedicated to Ilford Athletic Club. The club have be fortunate to have had the benefit of genuinely good people.  Best. Roger Mills.

    So sorry to hear of Ilford’s sad news.  Althought I’d heard of him, I didn’t know him, but an athletics stalwart as he clearly was, is a truly great loss to a Club.  June Cork (Former EssexCounbty AA President)

    Very sad news and such a stalwart and much respected athlete and admired reporter of Ilford A.C. activities Gerry was.  A great loss indeed. May he Rest in Peace. Sincere condolences to his family and so many friends.

    Bill Sutherland BEM (Past Ilford President).

    It has taken a bit of time for this sad news to sink in and for me to try and pay a fitting tribute to my old mate, drinking buddy and fellow competitor Gerry.

    I loved my conversations with Gerry, especially in the Joker, White Horse and Fairlop Oak, usually following a really tough training session or race or at the Annual Club President’s Dinner and Dance

    Not many people realise that Gerry was a great film buff and as a fellow film lover we had many great debates and quizzes about our favourite films and actors.

    Mind you Gerry was one of the most knowledgeable people that I ever met and could hold conversations on many many subjects. I witnessed many ” fairly heated” conversations between Gerry, Mick Herring, Frank Heaney, Barry and Les,mostly based on political subjects that were beyond me, but they were highly entertaining with great comical content. Absolutely priceless memories.

    Gerry was a fierce competitor on road and country and we enjoyed many great running occasions together, most notably The Great North run(8 times I believe), Glasgow Marathon and the infamous Offas Dyke 15m Fell run. I never forgave Gerry for persuading my to run it, although it turned out to be the hardest race that I ever did I regard it as one of my best ever performances.

    Great memories of Gerry dancing around a load of handbags in a Newcastle nightclub, great debates in the pub with his many friends, his unwavering support through my own personal challenges and his great love of Ilford AC and clean athletics.

    Ilford AC owes Gerry a great debt for chronicling much of it’s history via his camera but mostly for his contribution to its history both on the track, road and Country, but mostly for being such a great friend to athletics in all it’s forms.

    We were blessed to have Gerry in our lives for so long and he will always hold a very special place in our hearts.
    Everyone who knew Gerry will miss him greatly.
    Rest in Peace my friend

    Ernie and family

    As a youth athlete in the late 60s, who progressed into Race Walking, Gerry and his father were always very supportive to us as a group and always had a cheery encouraging word for me at events or at training.  Every time I met up with him in those intervening years, his bright character always shone through.
    He was one of those guys who brought a pleasant face to the club.
    My sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.
    Len Ruddock