Harry Gamble-Thompson with his wife Yvonne

Harry one of New Marske Harriers’ longest serving members died on Saturday 16th March. He was 87.

Harry joined the club not long after it was formed. As a runner he set and still holds many club records for all distances from 5k to Marathon. At the 1982 London Marathon (whilst a member of Middlesbrough & Cleveland) he ran a time of 2:32:10 which still ranks him 10^th All Time British Vet 50. He probably ran faster than that as there was no chip timing in those days!

During his 60’s he was often ranked in the top 3 in the country at the marathon.

During his 10 years as chairman, he was instrumental in helping the club raise £50,000 of the £150,000 match funding that secured the National Lottery funding for the track at Laurence Jackson School which is a legacy that benefits our current junior members.

It was due to the inspiration of Harry that I started running and his encouragement that I joined the club. He would also provide help and advice to runners of all abilities.

Until quite recently he still helped Yvonne opening up, making the tea and washing up at the church hall on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

He will be missed by everyone that knew him.