Tributes to Patricia Mead

Patricia Anne Mead 1945-2010

" ... I was greatly shocked and upset. Pat was a lovely lady, loved by all, you could not have had a nicer person we will all have very fond memories of her. My big memory of Pat was when she very kindly drove me to hospital at Windsor after I had a bad fall at the British League. She was always ready to help. We will all miss her... "

Gerry North

" ... Pat was an amazing woman and it was an honour to have known her ... "

Phil Wicks, Captain (extended tribute on RunnersLife)

" ... we were so sorry to hear the sad news ... and that we won't see her happy, bubbling self armed with camera at Sutton Park again. ... first met Pat back in the early sixties when we trained together at Tooting Bec during the winter months. She was of course Selsonia then and I was with Wimbledon AC. Though we lost touch for many years , our paths eventually crossed again ... still following, or in Pat's case, working hard, with the sport we love ... "

Christine and Eric Thompson, ex-Surrey AC

" ... really am lost for words, but ... shall remember her as a real breath of fresh air whenever we met on the track and at cross country. ... "

Mick and Mavis Firth, South London Harriers

" ... we have known Pat for well over fifty years ... enjoyed a special relationship ... and will miss her a great deal. She supported our athletic endeavours and in more recent times has been an example of courage and fortitude ... "

Marianne and Alan Black

" ... my trips to the UK were less frequent than I would have liked, any time I ran for the club it was the likes of ... Pat that made me feel back "at home" ... "

Justin Chaston, Colorado, USA

" ... even when I left for Altrincham she would still shout me on during a race and have a chat afterwards .. "

Simon Marwood, Altrincham & District AC

" ... I first met Pat almost 20 years ago when my son joined HHH, and I managed the YA team. In 2002 I took on organising the London Schools Track & Field championships and was so grateful for the help Pat gave as chief track judge at those championships every year until her illness, not only on the day but beforehand in recruiting other officials. Can't begin to get my thoughts together properly yet ... "

Bridget Yule, member of Herne Hill Harriers and Commitee member, London Schools Athletics Association

" ... Have just returned ... to hear the sad, sad, news. We were both so upset ... "

Charlie and Mary Dickinson

" ... Staff, volunteers and council members at England Athletics are very saddened to hear of the death of Pat Mead after her battle with illness. Pat was a great servant of the sport and, in particular, of Belgrave Harriers. Pat's was a friendly and ever enthusiastic face at events across the country and she will be sadly missed. ... "
England Athletics

" ... when I first stepped inside the Belgrave tent how nervous I was as it was full of proper (!) runners and I thought wouldn't be anything like the small local running club I'd come from. How very wrong I was, everyone was welcoming .... [She] always remembered everything about everyone and always had time to ask how you were and how something was going about something you'd told her about weeks ago. She always made sure you had a piece of cake and any family member that you'd brought in with you had a cake and cuppa too. There was never a shortage of cake and tea and a slice and cup was always found who ever you were. If ever you left kit behind it would always be returned at your next meeting ... freshly washed and always smelt so fresh. We used to tease her about how much fabric conditioner she must have got through. ... "

Liz Horrobin
v

" ... She made a great impression on so many people she came into contact with, and her friendliness, work ethic and competency will be greatly missed ... "

Kevin Kelly (Herne Hill Harriers)

" ... I well remember her presence with us in Germany in 1964 and have watched her progress as athlete, official and administrator through to President ... She also gave great service to the AAA many years ago ... her work has already been sadly missed during her illness and the club will be greatly lacking by her absence in the years to come ..."

Bill and Sheena Lucas

" ... will miss Patricia and remember the many hours we spent officiating at many meetings where her professionalism and light touch was much appreciated ... "

John Gebbels (Herne Hill Harriers)

" ... Belgrave and the wider world have lost someone special ... "

John and Heather Hall

" ... absolutely stunned ... When I think back to the 1960s I always remember the wonderful times ... It was like a light being switched on after years of austerity ... will always figure in my memories and certainly illuminated my life ... I can see her now, beautiful, lively and caring. Someone who I will always remember. ..."

Chris Harvey (one time South London Harrier)

" ... My second mum ... "

Jackie Bye (formerly Stone)

" ... A lovely, lively lady. We loved her and will miss her greatly ... "

Eric and Mavis Hall

" ... I only have good memories of a happy smiling woman, normally with a camera round her neck, always positive and upbeat about all aspects in sport and life. ..."

Tony Ganio

" ... I have very fond memories of Pat who was always so kind and thoughtful. Especially greeting us weary runners with a big smile and the hot cups of tea after some cold muddy cross country races! ... "
Padraic Buckley and Trish

" ... Pat was an exceptional lady, who always made me feel welcome and part of the Belgrave family (yes - even after I defected to Cardiff!). The spirit, bonding and team atmosphere that she was able to create at events was very special. ... "

Chris Moss (Cardiff AAC)

" ... a the truly wonderful person, Pat was so so , I'm stuck for word so I will just say Fantastic ... "

Richard Partridge

" ... for some years, I could never bring myself to cease being a "Belle". I always have done and always will feel part of the ‘family’ and one of the reasons for this was the atmosphere engendered around the club, of whom [she] was one of the finest examples. She was always smiling (although sometime a little tensely during tight battles at relays!) always welcoming and always seemed genuinely interested. She was truly lovely ... "

Juliette Clark

" ... I still remember her competing on the track when I last did – about 15 or so years ago and I can still picture her as being very young. ... "

Jacinta Moore

" ... Life has wonderful moments but also very unfortunate occasions where life plays with us, take us a step back and fills us with sorrow and pain ... "

Kassa Tadesse

" ... Her unselfish commitment to the sport has been amazing. During the late 1980's 90's and early 2000's I competed for Belgrave on many occasions and she was always there either "just helping out" or managing the team; enthusiasm and dedication from people such as Pat is what keeps the sport going... "

Phil Carstairs

" ... I remember her as someone who was always happy and smiling, always positive and always willing to help out, a rare combination of attributes. ... May I personally and behalf of Surrey County AA offer my sympathy and condolences at this very sad time.

Tom Pollak, Chairman, Surrey County Athletic Association

" ... There are many at the Thames Hare & Hounds who were so saddened to hear the news ... Pat was so much a part of Belgrave, and you two made a marvellous team and contributed wonderfully to what made the Belgrave-Thames rivalry so special for so many seasons. People like Pat are the engine-room of club athletics. She will be missed - not just by the Belgrave Harriers, but by many who valued her contribution to the grass-roots of our sport. ... "

John Bryant, President, the Thames Hare & Hounds

" ... The road running section of our club has always felt like a family and along with yourselves, Pat can take the greatest amount of credit for this. From getting up at hours most of the boys couldn't imagine to put the tent up, to covering more miles supporting than most of us run, before providing such a dazzling array of post race cakes and then finally taking the tent down, Pat really made the big occasions special. Few can have given as much as she has to our sport and some of her achievements ... She was a truly exceptional person, who I will never forget.

Richard Ward

" ... We have some great memories of Pat and these shall be with us for ever. Pat's hospitality and warm smile were second to none and will be much missed. She always made everybody feel so welcome and at ease in her company ... "

Mark and Gemma Miles

" ... This is truly devastating news. From the day I joined Belgrave I was welcomed by your family, with Alan sorting winning teams and Hazel and Pat supplying the support and the cakes. It got to the stage where I still turned up for the 12 stage relay for one of Pat's cakes even when I was barely training and not doing any other racing (although with the extra pounds I was already carrying the last thing I needed was more cake!). The Mead family are what made me love road relays as much as I do and Pat is every bit a part of that love. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten. Let nobody doubt that Pat was a superstar and you and she were an example to us all. You should be very proud of the fact that your wife's (and mum's - Hazel) memory will always live on within the people who knew her ... "

David Anderson

" ... Pat was held in the highest regard by all, as are the Mead family who many of us feel are the back bone of Belgrave Harriers. She always had a word of encouragement for me which was always gratefully received, particularly at the end of an onerous Southern or National Cross Country. ... "

Andy Lee-Gerrard (Herne Hill Harriers)

" ... Pat will be greatly missed not only by me, but by a good number of my Herne Hill Harriers clubmates ... "

Geoff Jerwood (Herne Hill Harriers)

" ... she made an impact on me throughout the time I knew her. From day one she was friendly to me and always made sure I was ok. Her presence made the team a better place to be and her being there made my settling down into the club very easy. I know a lot of people will probably comment on her cakes after races but they really were phenomenal. Thanks to her the Belgrave tent was a warm, friendly environment and knowing her will be something I'll never forget. ... races won't be the same without her there.

Nick Goolab

" ... Pat's passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of all those who knew her, she was an inspiration and from a personal perspective the right kind of team manager - the kind of manager that people want to run their best for rather than for their own personal gain. I'm so glad I got to see her again at last year's Southern 6 stage and only sorry I won't get that chance again. ... I wasn't intending to run the National 6 stage but I've asked Geoff if he'll consider me for the team as I'd like to run in Pat's memory.

Roger Alsop (Herne Hill Harriers)

" ... She will be sorely missed by so many people both in her role as an instrumental part of Belgrave ... and as a wonderful person as well. ... Pat always viewed the club as an extended family ... "

Catherine Eastham

" ... She was a truly lovely person, always willing to help everyone and I shall always remember our time in those changing rooms when I was a teenager and still race walking! ...

Jane Everett [formerly Pritchard and one of the original three Belles]

" ... Pat and yourself were what made Belgrave so special for me and every race and every medal I have run in wearing the Belgrave colours has extended my 'running life' and the successes were all partially down to you and Pat. I had hoped to see Pat at another race and have my little girl Lauren with me to introduce her, I'm sure they would both have a special smile for each other ..."

Paul, Lyn and Lauren Freary with kind thoughts also from Mike Freary and Rick Hayman

" .. Just feels so unfair that someone who was so full of life and did so much for so many is no longer with us. She was just one of the friendliest, warmest and positive people I have ever met. Someone who opened her house to random Welsh and Scotsmen and treated them like family. Just hope she realised how highly she was regarded. Belgrave meant so much to her and to be one of her Belgrave Boys was a pleasure. Brilliant woman and will be greatly missed ... "

Mark Pollard

" ... I John Kipkemoi Kimaiyo and my family, we are really very sorry of passing of Pat ... Your family helped me, and today I am really sorry. God love us all and that is why your family love me"

John Kimaiyo, Kenya

" ... Pat was always wonderfully friendly whenever I saw her, and made running for Belgrave so special. I will never forget her taking the time and effort to send me a card when I was ill with post-viral fatigue - it really cheered me up at the time, and it's that sort of kind thought that I'll always remember her for. Plus of course her smile when you'd see her standing under the Bels flag at races, no matter what the weather, and how quick she was with the tea and cakes when you'd get back covered in mud after a cross country ... "

Tom Fordyce

"... Pat was the sort of person that you only meet once in your lifetime and I was privileged to have known her ... "

Leo Coy and Florence

"... she was a lovely girl with such an engaging personality; always seemed so bright and cheerful. Her love of Belgrave matched your own. On one of my visits to UK I made my first visit to Wimbledon Park track for the Surrey Road Relays. As I walked across the field to the track, there was Pat hurrying towards me with a big welcoming smile on her face, and as we met she gave me a big hug. I was moved that she should be so pleased to see me ..."

Clive Shippen, Sydney, Australia

" ... an incredible life, pioneering, varied, courageous and oh so kind ..."

Will Cockerell

" ... I couldn't be more sorry ... although I only knew Pat a few short years I genuinely will miss her. Pat's generosity and goodwill was so obvious to see it always made me feel good to speak to her. I can remember very well, not knowing anyone on the team, or for that matter anyone there at all [a few years ago at Rushmoor Arena], you collected me from the airport and I instantly knew I was going to be welcomed in Belgrave.

I met Pat and Hazel the next morning and the old phrase "behind every great man is a great woman" never meant more sense to me. Pat was so welcoming and friendly, and although I didn't know a single person at the beginning of that weekend I felt like part of a really close knit family before I left.

Pat was a wonderful, generous, beautiful person and she will be missed dearly by everyone who has ever had the good fortune to meet her ... "

Dan Mulhare

" ... I am sitting in McDonalds crying. ... you are a couple all marital pairs try to copy and never come close. Memories are jumping in my mind like firecrackers. I am glad I saw you about ten years ago. I always joked, Pat was the only one I never got to marry. Remember, to see a star you have to get through darkness, and when you do she will be the brightest in the sky.

John Kelly, Perpignan, France

" ... we are all so sad and upset to see the news on the club website today ... "

Mike, Janet, John and Alex Blackledge and Michelle

" ... I have been running for many years and joined the Bels back in 2001. I first met you guys at the relays and felt a part of the team straight away. I have had many happy years in running but can honestly say these times have been the pinnacle of my career. I will never forget Pat and all the hard work she did to make every one happy - I don't think it will ever be the same again ... I would like the team to wear a black ribbon [at Sutton Park] as a mark of our love for Pat ... "

Stephen, Maria and Leah Sharp

" ... I am so sad for her ... Patricia was a friendly person who love every one and now God has called her ... she has gone to prepare for us the way. We will all follow her one day and we will meet again ... "

Paskar Owor.

" ... we at K&P will miss her very much ... "

David Barrington, Kingston & Polytechnic Harriers

" ... races will never be the same again, but her memory is forever etched in the minds of anyone who had the pleasure to know her ... "

Neil Speaight

" ... a long and typically brave fight ... but her ordeal is over ... May she rest in peace ... "

Bill Laws

" ... life is a little darker now with the knowledge that Pat is no longer with us. I have no more to say at this point other than I don't understand why someone like Pat, such a vibrant and loving example of a human being, should be taken from us ... "

Russell Dessaix-Chin, New South Wales, Australia

" ... my thoughts and prayers will be with you. We will miss you today and always ... "

Malachi Byansi.

" ... a very special lady, who will be sadly missed by an enormous number of people ... "

Coggie, Bronwyn and the Boys, New Zealand.

" ... the 'dog leg' section of the 12 stage will never be the same again without Pat screaming and snapping away! I will forever miss her cakes and unlimited support ... "

Simon Jones and RunnersLife
v

" ... Pat was a fantastic supporter to me as I started my career in athletics. No matter what standard of athlete you were, no matter what club that you competed for, Pat always had time to talk athletics or whatever took your fancy. She was a talented official, a loyal Belgravian, engaging company and a great friend. The sport of athletics has today suffered an enormous loss ... "

James Fairbourn on Lufbra Echo
v

" ... a fantastic lady, just so lovely in every way. Will always remember her sincere passion for the club and her support at all the events. Will be racing tomorrow thinking of her ... "

Lou Blizzard (formerly Cooper), Gareth and Alfie

" ... a wonderful person and will be sorely missed ... "

John and Valerie Bicourt

"Pat Mead was a kind, enthusiastic and inspirational person for many athletes in her various roles for Belgrave Harriers. Those of us who were lucky enough to come into contact with her particularly in the Winter months when the Mead family team ran Belgrave's fantastic Country and Road teams will find it hard to believe that we will not see her again. She was truly someone who made a huge difference to the sport.

On behalf of England Athletics I would like to express London's gratitude for her life in athletics and our heart-felt sympathy and best wishes to Alan and Hazel and all at Belgrave at this time"

Tony Shiret, Chair, London Region, England Athletics

" ... so sorry to hear the sad news ... she is at peace ... you will draw strength from your many friends especially those wonderful people at the Bels ..."

Dave Denton, Kerala, India

" ... I can't express how sorry I am to have received the news of Pat's passing.

She fought her battle with such dignity and courage, and I think everyone in the Belgrave family was inspired by her inextinguishable zest for the club and for life in general. On a personal level, I will always remember how warmly she welcomed me into the team and her motherly devotion to all of us as people, not just as athletes. I will forever hear her support ringing in my ears as I look for inspiration at the top of the dogleg at Sutton Park ... "

James Kelly.

"... last saw Pat at the Battersea Park Rosenheim and she never gave any indication of her problems although they were obviously serious. She presented her usual smile, as captured in your obituary photo, in putting on the bravest of faces ... Looking at her various roles on behalf of Belgrave she is certainly going to be a hard act to follow ... "

Pete Mulholland - on behalf of Hercules Wimbledon AC

" ... she made a lasting impression on me which I will not forget ... "

Chris Privett

" .. xc matches won't ever be the same without Pat's cakes and her happy warm smiley face ... "

Tim Weeks

" ... my main memory of my first run for Belgrave at the Southern 12 stage at Milton Keynes in 2005 was how welcome she made us feel with support on the course and tea and cake afterwards. She was a lovely lady ... "

Matt Whiting

" ... will always be a Bels legend and so sadly missed ..."

Chris & Gina Husbands

" ... what a wonderful, caring and tremendously generous lady Pat was. She would welcome and treat every athlete the same whether they were coming first in a European competition or last in a Surrey league. She epitomised what Belgrave is all about - athletics for all ... but with a fierce determination to win which she translated to the athletes through her unstinting support at road or track-side. Getting her encouragement coupled with a bit of a rocket to go that bit quicker on the last stretch of a road relay to see us beat a local rival was worth a good chunk of time to each of us. Her contribution to the huge success over the last 10 or so years should not be underestimated ... "

Al Stewart and Kathryn

... and many other kind words from ...
David Lucas, Brian and Maureen Pritchard, Charles and Wendy Jones, John Powell, Tony and Gillian Fairclough, Jason Hussain, Sharon Herbert (Woodford Green with Essex Ladies) in Delhi, Spencer Barden, Tina Bennett (formerly Couzens), Rex Bale, Syreeta Stracey, Maureen Jones, Sarah Scott, Peter and Sue Shilling, Steve Bosley, Bob Smith (Newham & Essex Beagles), Porthcawl Runnerslife, Fetcham Netball Club, Tania Sturton, Gillian Hatchwell, Surrey County AA Website, Kevin Gadd, Peter Emery and South London Harriers, Mike and Rieko Trees, Lander Eguia, Richard Stannard, Doris Dean, Gail (formerly Porter), Raymond and Cynthia James, George and Anne Flanagan, Nina Mills, Bob Taylor, John and Barbara and Wendy and Babette Dunsford, Jackie Bye (formerly Stone), Dave and Paula and Maisie and Tilly McMillan, Richard and Roger Aspden and family, Chris and Glynis Taplin, Karen and Warren Lynch, Sarah and Sally and Stevie Scott, Tony and Karen Binda, Gordon and Margaret Biscoe, Steve Davies, Darvin Edwards, Bob and Julie Bridges, Pat Lewis and Reg Hopkins, Colin and Chris Pearson, Don Anderson and Val Tanner, Brian Gorman, Carl and Barbara Lawton, Patricia and Michael Cole and all the Surrey Officials, Gerry Adams, Chris and Jenny Christou, Anne and Knut Hegvold and family, Lionel and Pat Mann, Kevin Quinn, Stuart (Newham & Essex Beagles) and Pippa (South London H) Major, Georgina and Frank and Seán Ward, Gillian and John and Amy Hatchwell, Sam Amend

Restored from the club's earlier website, belgraveharriers.com, and published here as originally written.