Peter Ryan R.I.P. (1954-2020)  

Ilford AC are mourning the death of one of their leading lights – Pete Ryan – who died peacefully in his sleep during the night and failed to rise this morning (Friday).  He was a pancreatic cancer sufferer in his final years.   He was a lifelong Sheffield Wednesday supporter and enjoyed watching football – having viewed Thursday evening’s match on television before retiring.
Peter, aged 66, a retired Police Constable, was a proud Yorkshireman who moved south to this area in the 70s – and stayed!
He was a tall man with a long stride and a formidable athlete in both running and race walking events, at a variety of distances, and one who also represented the British Police in representative matches.
His best moment came at Newmarket in 2003 when he won the British 100 Miles’ Walking Championship in 19 hours 57 minutes and 35 seconds. Dave Ainsworth.

How very sad indeed; this photo was taken only 3 years ago this very weekend.

Pete travelled the country competing, this was the Forres Harriers 10k event from Brodie Castle and I was the lead cyclist.

The previous year Pete turned up at the Glen Moray (distillery) 10k.

I was timekeeping and looked up in time to see an ‘old school’ race walker finishing. Turned out to be Pete whom I had not seen for years.

As I said, sad news , great bloke, will write to him.

Thanks,

Alex Ross