Our long term friendship, a little short of 60 years, developed out of our cross country rivalry with Neil at Wolstanton Grammar and myself at Newcastle High in the early 1960's. In due course we became members of Newcastle AC. Best Man at each others weddings was another memory. After our respective marriages we lived in Bignall End for a few years and this was a time of friendly but often competitive training sessions and races. I recall a number of holidays together with our young families. Neil and I found a common interest in golf and enjoyed many rounds together, but still with the friendly but competitive edge. In the mid 1980's we moved out of the area but as families we still maintained good regular contact and it was a pleasure to share our respective childrens and subsequent adults progress. I was very interested in Emma's athletic career and it was good to exchange texts with Neil as he kept me updated on her progress. Family was very important to Neil and Jan and they can be rightly very proud of Andrew and Vicky and Thomas, Jonno and Alex and Leo, and Emma and Dan. Neil, we are proud to have counted you as a good close friend. We will miss you but will have the memories. Rest in peace. Richard and Jenny