It is with sadness that we inform you of the death of Peter Dawson and our condolences are sent to all his family. Peter was one of the Clubs very good veteran endurance athletes and Club Record Holder. Blackburn Harriers President – George Woodburn – shared his thoughts about Peter, being one of the Clubs athletes who competed alongside him. “Over the years, Pete has been a massive supporter of Blackburn Harriers, as an athlete.  Pete was a top veteran runner on the road and country in the 1970s/1980s.  He was part of a strong group of Vets at the Club in that era. Pete had exceptional finishing speed, winning many of the Vets category races.  He still holds a Blackburn Harriers record for Vet 45, at the Clitheroe 10 mile in 54.51 in 1983 His family have followed him into athletics, with his daughters and grandchildren members of Blackburn Harriers today.  Pete could be seen at many events giving support to his family and athletes. A true veteran legend of the Club“

Helen Dawson-Smith – on behalf of all the family wanted to share their thoughts about Peter with members of the Club and told us “Peter started running for Blackburn Harriers in 1979 at the age of 43. Being from Ambleside, he was good on the fells but also successfully competed in cross country, on the track and on the road, where he set the V45 BHAC record for 10 miles in a time of 54:51min, which still stands today, almost 43 years later. Incidentally, Tony Wood and George Woodburn were also in this race! Only last week did we get out his 65+ trophies to clean and admire, alongside his dozens of medals! His passion for athletics took him to the European championships in Munich at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, continuing as an armchair fan when he had to retire from running at the age of 60, due to a heart condition. He remained very active with cycling and fell walking, keeping up with Blackburn Harriers news through the website and from his daughters Helen, Judith and the late Ruth; he could also be seen at many races cheering on his grandchildren Matthew, Imogen, Theo and Charlotte, who have inherited his passion and his ability“.

Funeral arrangements

Friday 30th January at 10:30am at St Leonard’s Church Langho BB6 8AB 

followed by 

cremation at Accrington crematorium BB5 6HA.

♥