Runners turn out for memorial race

The biting wind, icy conditions and driving sleet didn’t deter competitors turning out in force to remember a young man who tragically and suddenly lost his life while out running. 

It was back in December 1994, that David Staff, who was aged just 17, collapsed and died will competing in the Clitheroe 10K – his first race as a senior runner.  He died from a condition known as Adult Sudden Death Syndrome, a condition that claims the lives of at least eight youngsters a week, many of them active young athletes. 

The David Staff Memorial Fell Race is now in its 10^th year.  It is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of race organiser, Gary Taylor, The Darwen Dashers club David was a member of, event sponsors and, of course, all those runners who have regularly turned out to climb the 900 feet to Darwen Tower and back again. 

This year’s race attracted a bumper turnout of 136 runners – up on the previous few years – and was won by Sean Bolland of Bowland Fell Runners (left - receiving winner's trophy from David Staff's father, Granville) in 33 minutes 22 seconds, nearly two minutes slower than the record set by Rob Hope last year. 

Alan Ward of Bowland Fell Runners was second in 33.49 with Chris Seddon of Horwich third in 36.02. 

Phillip Hall was the first of the local runners, with the Clayton Harrier taking fourth spot in 36.10 while Chorley’s Dominic Raby was fifth in 36.11. 

The top 10 was completed by Phillip Leybourne of Salford in 36.46 in sixth, Shane Russell of Rossendale Harriers was seventh in 37.18 with Alan Alty of Chorley Harriers eighth in 37.18.  Brian Walton of Horwich was ninth in 37.4 with Mark Ellithorn of Chorley Harriers 10^th in 37.49. 

The event has now become a firm fixture in the race calendar, but more importantly, helps to raise the profile of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a charity which all the race proceeds go to. 

David’s dad, Granville Staff, expressed his gratitude for making sure his son was remembered in this way. 

“I am very grateful to everyone who has organised and taken part in a race that has made sure David has never been forgotten. 

“The race is not only as a mark of respect for him but also highlights the importance of what CRY does to help other youngsters who have a similar condition to David.” 

Granville and his wife Sue have teamed up with the Wickers family in Darwen whose own son, Neil, died of the same condition. 

Over the years, they have helped raise £45,000 for the charity which has enabled them to purchase a portable ECG machine and organise screening tests, the fourth of which takes place at Darwen Access Point on Saturday.

He added: “I have to say a big thank you to Gary Taylor and Darwen Dashers (right) who have organised the event and to my former employers, Akzon Nobel, as well as Crown Paints who have supported the race since the very first one.”