Jean first went to Sale Harriers in 1983 when her son Stephen joined with his friend. His friend unfortunately didn’t like it, but Stephen loved it and decided to continue, so they started bringing him to training sessions. Their eldest son Anthony then also joined and, of course, their daughter Sarah only five at the time, had to go along too so it ended up all the family went.

Jean started helping out at some of the Primary section’s track meetings and when Stephen was chosen to compete for the club in the 800mts, she and her husband Harry both helped out officiating when they went to meetings.

In October 1992, Ann Jackson, Brian Spriggs, David Brown, and Jean decided to sit their UK Athletics Officials Level 4 qualification in their various disciplines, Jean chose Field Events starting at and finishing at Level 2. They enjoyed some good times travelling to different venues like Gateshead Stadium, Dom Valley Sheffield (now closed unfortunately) and to Alexandra Stadium in Birmingham for the Young Athletes Finals.

She recalls one year when Stephen was to compete in the final at Birmingham. They were on holiday in Portugal due back the day before the final but, due to airline delays, they ended up sleeping on the airport floor all night. They arrived home at about 10am on the morning of the final; dropped off their cases and jumped in the car to drive to Birmingham, Oh dear! The car wouldn’t start after being left idle for 2 weeks. Thank the Lord for their good friend and neighbour John, who came to their rescue and took them all the way to Birmingham, arriving by the skin of their teeth. Stephen ran the race of his life and won.

Jean then became involved helping Jim Stapleton (RIP) with memberships and in 2000 she became membership Secretary. That has been her principle club responsibility since then along with Ann Jackson, but on top of this she continues to help the Primary section with schools cross-country events, track meetings in the summer and any other meetings held at Crossford Bridge.

She’s enjoyed helping as a volunteer over the years and has enjoyed some good laughs and great times and made some really good friends. She would advise anyone thinking of helping out to go ahead and give your time. You’ll enjoy being a volunteer with all the other volunteer Coaches, Officials, Tuck Shop and Kit Shop helpers etc. She would like to take this opportunity to thank Sale Harriers for the Life Membership award.

Jean sadly passed away in 2020 and will be greatly missed by us all at Sale Harriers.