Ex-Harriers’ legacies will keep youngsters on run
YOUNG athletes will get top class coaching with the help of donations made in memory of two talented runners.
Macclesfield Harriers and Macclesfield Athletics Development Fund organise annual coaching clinics for those aged 11 and older. And this year they have been supported by donations from the families of Michael Lafferty and Barry Blyth, who are both well-known former Harriers.
Michael, who once beat the world record holder for the mile and was club captain in the 1950s, passed away in
October last year aged 88.
He was the first winner of the club’s championship cup in 1953. While Barry, 73, a champion fell runner, was an active member right up to his death the following month and renowned for helping others.
Barbara Murray, chair of Macclesfield Athletics Development Fund, accepted the donations.
She said: “We are very grateful to the families and friends of Michael Lafferty and Barry Blyth, who kindly made donations in memory of their loved ones.
“These donations will support skills coaching for athletes of all abilities and ages, both club and non-club members.
“Michael and Barry both loved running and had very successful athletics careers.
It’s wonderful that their families wished to support the development of young athletes.”
Michael’s wife Mary and son David - a former editor of the Macclesfield Express - handed the money over at Macclesfield Athletics Track.
The coaching sessions, on March 14, March 28 and 4 April, are run by fully qualified UK athletics coaches and cost £3 each, payable on the day.
All abilities are welcome and events covered include hurdles, sprint, endurance, high jump, long jump, shot put, discus, pole vault and javelin.
There will also be a fell running introduction, in honour of Barry. Places are limited so registration in advance is required, visit gle/ PU7QXAy1ycrdGKc97.