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 …Read More
Joe Mallott It is my very sad duty to inform the club members of the passing of Joe Mallott, after a two year battle with cancer. Joe came to the club in the early 1970s. He was a marvellous athlete. In his first year of competition he reached the Inter-counties final for the high hurdles and featured on the front cover of Athletics Weekly…..not bad for a beginner! He came under the care and guidance of Alf Pells an inspirational coach, where he learnt that time in the air was time wasted. His personal bests of 15.4 secs. for the high hurdles and 6.61m. for the long jump are just the bare bones of his contribution to I.A.C. in it’s …Read More
ILFORD AC LOSS Former long serving Ilford AC Secretary Martin Etchells has passed on. Wrote our Essex County AA Chairman : Sad news that former Ilford Athletic Club road, cross-country & steeplechase stalwart, prime instigator of Sportshall athletics and past club General Secretary, Martin Etchells, passed away on Sunday 6th September. Believe that Martin had been battling away against cancer since 2011 – Andy Catton. Wrote the Director of Competition at the South of England Athletic Association : It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Martin Etchells died after a long illness – Linda Whitehead. Olympian Roger Mills wrote : Good bloke, another sad loss. Everyday is a bonus. Former Southend-on-Sea AC walker June Cork wrote : …Read More
