Ann Jackson was introduced to Sale Harriers in 1984 by the headmaster of Flixton Junior School, Mr Seddon when he encouraged their daughter Louise to join the school’s cross-country team. Her husband Bill eventually became a member and this left Ann with Kevin joining into the fun and games of the Yellow Group. Ann eventually took over the ‘Yellows’ group when circumstances within it changed.

In 1986 she became a club member and, later in the year, took the first steps into becoming a coach along with numerous others. It was in October 1992 that Jean Dutton, David Brown, Brian Spriggs and Ann (with others) sat in an Irlam Primary School dining hall to sit the first paper enabling them to become Level 1 UK Athletics Officials in various disciplines. She chose track judging and progressively climbed the not so greasy pole to become a level four official.

She’s had many memorable times during her years as an official, both on track and at Cross Country with the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games being the icing on the cake. She spent two weeks in the Official’s Village which was student accommodation housed in a former 19th century industrial building. She had dual identity being a ‘Green Official’ and a ‘Purple Volunteer’ at Owens Park where she was attached to the Athletics Information team. It was there she came face to face with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Unfortunately, health problems put a stop to her coaching career and official duties, but she has been with the Membership Admin team for five years where you will find her most Tuesdays and Sundays chained to the desk by Captain Jean! Her Committee involvements included the Primary Section, the Executive Committee and the Membership Committee.

The circle comes full circle as her daughter Louise, following university, marriage and children, has re-joined the club along with her elder child Charlie. She wonders how old, infirm and senile she’ll become before she’s told Life membership doesn’t mean a life sentence! She thanks Sale Harriers for the honour and award of Life Membership.