Graham Padget has contributed to Sale Harriers continuously since he first became involved in 1987 after his wife Doreen became a member two years earlier, taking their son Richard to training with the U13 middle distance group. It began when he was asked to stand in temporarily after his son’s coach became unwell. This eventually became a permanent responsibility, so Graham took a coaching course and then took over the organisation of the whole colts group. By this time, his wife had completed three London marathons so Graham’s challenge was to also try and complete a marathon. However, to achieve this he had to give up his coaching. Having completed the marathon, he then wanted to return to something new at Crossford Bridge.

In 1988/89, the Primary section decided to raise some money for charity by running a relay from London to Manchester for “Children In Need”. The arrangements for this were immense and Graham made a substantial contribution by driving the mini bus that dropped off and picked up the children as they each ran their mile leg of the relay.

Always willing to make a positive contribution, he and Doreen made a big contribution to the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games helping to deliver the road events. They gave up a lot of time marshalling the marathons, road walking and the cycling at Rivington. Then, when the annual trips to Kassel (Central Germany) for the City’s Marathon and half Marathon began in 2009, Graham was again involved in helping to organize it and this has now become an enjoyable regular feature for the endurance section.

Throughout all these years and for more than twenty years, Graham has been the leader of the club’s senior Introductory Endurance Group at Crossford Bridge. He has had responsibility for welcoming newcomers and mentoring beginners through their initial months. So closely identified has Graham been with this important job over these years that the group has been known as ‘Graham’s group’. He has shown great loyalty, reliability and commitment to it over these years that has been pivotal to its success.

One will always find Graham involved in every club event, be they at Crossford Bridge, Sportcity or Wythenshawe Park. His willingness, skills and his adaptability has meant that he fulfils many important roles, from marshal, car-park attendant, time-keeper, linesman, entries official, team co-ordinator and so on. Over the past twenty-five years, Sale Harriers would have been much poorer without Graham’s willing contribution.

He thanks those who have helped him over the years and especially those who have supported his award of Life Membership

Graham in 2015 winning the V70 prize in The Natterjack Seaside 10k.