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GEORGE PIDDINGTON 1937-2005

Belgrave Harriers’ Life Member George Piddington passed away on Thursday, 22nd December. He has been described as the archetypal chirpy cockney, who lived life to the full.  He never frowned, never complained, never fell out with anyone and never had a bad word to say about anyone either; small of frame and big of heart.

George’s life began in South London as one of six children.  He was always one to take responsibility and in his early days he was a server in his local church and he became Scout Master for the 23rd Clapham Scouts, enjoying camps and overseas jamborees.

He took up clerical work before joining the Army to do his National Service in the 1950s where he saw service in Hong Kong.  The Scouting movement continued to be one of his interests but it was while in Hong Kong that he discovered an activity that was to become a passion – running.

On return to England George joined Belgrave Harriers in 1958 and went on to enjoy many happy years of membership. He particularly enjoyed road running but took an interest in all aspects of athletics, including coaching. He rarely missed a social event and for some time was our Press Secretary.  Many a Team Manager remembers George’s Sunday evening ‘phone calls as he gathered news for the following week’s local papers.

In the 1960s the family moved to Hayling Island and George moved with them. He continued his post as Press Secretary but also joined Havant AC and became coach to their Colts team.

Over the years he ran in marathons as far apart as New York, Amsterdam, Berlin – and of course London. He was still running and racing at the age of 58 until the sad occasion when he was struck by a heart attack while out for a lunchtime run. His work colleagues became concerned when George failed to return from his run and soon they went out looking for him. He was found, but by that time the fates had been very unkind to him and his health would never be the same again. He completed his 50th marathon in a wheelchair, thanks to his Havant clubmates taking turns to push him the 26.2 miles.

George continued to support Havant AC and was always delighted to see his old Belgrave friends when the National Cross Country came to Havant or a Southern League fixture drew both clubs to the same venue.

He’d always enjoyed nightclubs, could down a pint of Guinness with the best, and delighted in showing photographs of himself on a night out with a beautiful girl on either arm.

He had a huge sense of humour and even when living in sheltered accommodation, his 65th birthday was enlivened by one of the ladies living at the same home dressing up as a bunny girl.