A belated note to the Club’s Website (originally received from Chairman Harry Matthews).
I received some very sad news today in Athletics Weekly. Former Elswick club member, John Backley, father of Olympian Steve Backley passed away recently, aged 79.
John was a very talented member of Elswick Harriers until he moved to London to work in the Metropolitan Police in the 1970s.
John was a regular visitor and supporter at the club’s annual Norman Woodcock memorial race at Gosforth Park during his visits to family in Newcastle prior to Christmas.
He had much respect for the late Norman Woodcock. Our thoughts are with John’s family at this sad time. RIP John.
Harry.