Tributes paid to Harry Wells
Carried the Olympic Torch in 2012
TRIBUTES have been paid to wellknown local man Harry Wells following his death aged 70.
Harry was one of those chosen to have the honour of carrying the Olympic Torch back in 2012, on the eve of the historic games.
He carried it into the town centre with thousands watching the procession.
The Loughborough man, who was well known for his work and volunteering in local sport, passed away peacefully after a long illness.
Steve Reid, who managed Loughborough Dynamo FC, in partnership with Harry, told the Echo: “I knew of Harry during the late sixties early seventies when playing against Quorn and remember him as a wholehearted player with boundless enthusiasm and who could run forever.
“I then joined Quorn around 1973/4 and we were team mates for a number of years, until he had to stop playing due to his illness.
At this time, around 1978, I was asked if I would player manage the reserves and as Harry wanted to stay involved he would join me as joint manager, and so we did.
“Fortunately, we always agreed on how the game should be played and also on when it was time for me to retire from playing.
“We had several really enjoyable seasons working at Quorn winning the Intermediate Shield in 1983/4 by beating Lodge Farm 3-0 at the Dovecote and in our last years managing
the first team.
“Then in 1986 we left Quorn and were approached by Loughborough Dynamo to take over their first team.
“This we decided to do and taking nine or 10 players with us from Quorn and with several really good players already at Dynamo were able to build another good footballing side.
“At Dynamo we helped them to achieve senior league status for the first time and to win the Loughborough Cup beating AFC Loughborough 2-1 again at the Dovecote.
“We left Dynamo in 1989 again having very much enjoyed our time there.
“I worked with Harry for around 12 years and we were proud to say that in all that time we never had a cross word.
“Harry would agree that there is no substitute for actually playing the game no matter what the level, but being involved as managers was a close second.
“We always tried to put out sides that played good football that we would enjoy watching and the players would enjoy playing in.
“We both believed that it is always about the players and that when you retire you try to put something back and I am sure that all the players that we had would say that Harry certainly did that.
“As for me those years working together was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life and also left me with an incredible friend.”
Loughborough Town Swimming Club also paid tribute to Harry.
In a statement the club said: “He left such a mark on many swimmers, parents and other volunteers, having volunteered with the club for over 16 years.
“Many swimmers will recognise Harry having started nearly all Loughborough Town Swimming Club galas during his later volunteering years, and prior to this one of the club’s team managers.
“We cannot thank Harry enough for his dedication to the club over the years and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Harry’s daughter Amanda is raising money for the Loros Hospice in Glenfield where Harry spent his final days being looked after.
Donations are being taken in Harry’s memory for LOROS, you can donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amanda-wells13