paul fairbrother

Paul pictured with Gordon and Daniel Dixon at the British National Duathlon Championships in Bedford in 2017. Paul was Daniel's Godfather.

Long-serving members of Morpeth Harriers & AC will be very saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Paul Fairbrother on Tuesday 7 January at the age of 64.
In fact, Paul was only a few months from celebrating his 65th Birthday on 13 June of this year, which makes his loss so much more poignant for Helen, his loving partner and wife of forty years, and his close family and friends.
During his athletic time at the club which began in 1984, Paul took an interest in various aspects, by competing on the track, particularly over 800m and 1500m, and was one of an illustrious line of members who dared to tackle the 3000m Steeplechase event.
He also competed in Road and Cross-Country events, being more prolific in the latter, which also led him into Fell and Orienteering interests.
The Fells held a bit of magic for Paul, and when not competing, he could often be found walking around the beautiful Northumbrian landscapes, sometimes accompanied by Helen for support.
At the club, Paul also showed an interest in working behind the scenes, and for many years served as a Road and Cross-Country Team Manager and Selector.
Paul also took his Team Manager skills to the Track and Field side and was Men’s Team Manager for both the Northern and British League squads.
He was also an extremely hard trainer when it came to Club Session work, which clearly benefitted those who trained alongside him, and he was always encouraging to any newcomers.
During his working life, Paul was mainly involved in education, having previously worked in the pit for around eight years at the time of the miners strike, and as a safety engineer, which meant that he needed to be constantly in attendance. However, several years ago Paul and Helen eventually left for a new life in the Scottish Highlands in Nethy Bridge in Inverness Shire, and he engaged himself in the local ski clubs, where he became an instructor, thus furthering his interests in the outdoors.
At this time, we would wish to offer our most sincere condolences to Helen in her sad and tragic loss.
For a few years, Paul has battled with a serious cancer, however with Helen constantly by his side, his fighting spirits of determination never became diminished.
RIP dear friend, Paul you will always remain very close to our hearts.
Thank you most sincerely for sharing part of your life with us.

A funeral service will be held at Inverness Crematorium on Friday, January 24 at 10am, followed by a Celebration of Paul’s Life at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, Grantown-on-Spey at 1pm. All friends and family are welcome. Please wear what makes you comfortable but Paul would love it if you felt able to wear a red rose for Lancashire or a splash of red. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, may be given to benefit Maggie’s Highland. Enquiries to John Ross Funeral Services Ltd. Tel 01479 872222 or email [email protected]