ERIC APPLEBY

Some older members will be saddened to learn of the death of one of the regions
well known veteran athletes Eric Appleby of Heaton Harriers.

Sadly Eric passed away on Monday 7th March, following a hard fought battle with cancer,
a battle fought with much dignity, which was very much one of his trademarks,
something which very much endeared him to his fellow running colleagues,
both within his own club, to whom he was most loyal,
and from other clubs around him, including those within Morpeth Harriers.

Eric was very much a successful product of the 80’s running boom,
and whilst remaining a very modest and gentle man, in the truest sense of the word,
he was also very much a fierce and feared competitor in the competitive athletics field.

In life, he trained as hard as he worked, as a sign-writer for Fenwick’s Ltd, the Department Store,
and if not competing at an evening event, he would often be seen
running home from work to his home in Battle Hill, just off the Coast Road.
He always had a few tales to tell about those runs, and some of the experiences along the way.

When he retired he found more time for his sport,
despite having to have a pacemaker fitted during his 7th decade,
and even resorted to getting on his bike every day,
to travel down to King Edward’s Bay in Tynemouth for a daily swim in the sea.

In his later years, with the rise of the weekend Park Run, Eric found new challenges,
and his sheer determination saw him complete 200 Newcastle Park Runs in August 2014.

He also used to take part in some of the regions other Park Run’s,
and would often be seen boarding a bus on a Saturday Morning,
using his Bus Pass entitlement to its fullest extent,
heading towards a more distant venue. 

Eric will always be regarded as being a legendary character in the sport,
and will be fondly remembered by fellow competitors and athletics officials nationwide.
A true Sportsman and Gentleman.

Funeral Arrangements are still unknown, and we will post
these on our website once they become available to us.