I met Neil when dinosaurs walked the earth, about 1969-70? We were 6th
formers, competing in the Staffs Schools Cross-Country trials. There were 4 trial races, as Trentham Park was hosting the English Schools Championships. I was delighted to actually beat him on one occasion. That was a breakthrough for me then.
Over time, we became good friends. I cannot remember specifics through the great fog of time. Some rivalries can be nasty, but ours definitely was not. I joined Newcastle AC as a second-string club, and trained with Neil at times down at his local track. We always had a laugh, as there was a good like-mindedness between the runners there.
I was an engineering buyer, and was stunned one day – as was Neil - when he walked through my door as a sales rep. His enthusiasm for his job was tremendous, especially when relating tales of how he and his colleagues used to follow competitors' delivery vehicles. Then attempt to poach their business! We'd be in hysterics.
On one occasion, Neil encouraged me to meet up with local running legend Kelvin Bowers at his Idle Rocks home in Moddershall, for a Sunday morning training run. Little did I know then that as a result of that run, my life would eventually change big time. I became great friends with Kel, and eventually joined him in Istanbul on his epic run to Sydney, Australia.
Looking back, that really was life-changing. Probably the whole of my future was shaped by that event. You would think, then, that I would remember such a significant occasion, but you'd be wrong. I lost contact with Neil for decades but, thankfully, managed to speak to him some weeks ago. It was electric, as if the distance of the years had never happened. During our conversations, short as they were, we harked back to those olden days. That was when I realised how much I had to thank Neil for.
We were excited about the prospect of meeting up for a meal and a drink when Covid had eased off. It would have been nice to have filled the void of The Missing Years. He was bursting with pride at being able to travel the world supporting Emma. Sadly, those conversations will have to play out in my head instead.
I feel a bit of a fraud writing this after so many years in the friendship wilderness, but I don't think Neil was in that mindset. Anyway, this isn't about me, it's about a well-loved friend, and it's good to read from the other stories that Neil brought so much fun and happiness into so many lives.
Our thoughts go to you, Jan and all your family, and share in your great sorrow.