Noel Blatchford, Obituary

It was with much sadness that Abingdon Athletics Club learnt that long standing Club Member, Noel Blatchford, passed away on Friday, 20th October.

Noel had been a member of the Club since 1998, during which time she contributed significantly to the Club’s running, fulfilling numerous positions on the Club’s Committee while also performing a variety of Officiating roles. Some of the many roles Noel performed over the years include Chairman, Minutes Secretary at the Annual General Meeting, Social Secretary, Oxon Athletics Association Club Representative and Officials Coordinator. She was also a Grade 2 Field Official, Grade 1 Starter’s Assistant and cake maker extraordinaire for Club functions.

Aside from her contribution to the Club from an operational perspective, Noel was, of course, a hugely competitive, determined and dedicated athlete in her own right, with her results on Power of 10 speaking for themselves. Over the years, Noel was Team Manager for the Vets League and a Member of the Vets team for race walking, running and throws.

In recent years, the number of European and World Masters medals Noel won for race walking is nothing short of incredible, having been a regular at the International Masters Championships as part of the Great Britain team, winning many medals over a number of years.

Noel passed away in Pescara, Italy, a few days after competing in the 5000m walk (W75) on the first Sunday of the European Masters Championships, winning a silver medal in the process. A fitting way to bow out. 

Noel’s unwavering support and commitment to the Club, her enthusiasm, charm, smile and energy will be sorely missed, as will her love and passion for her sport. 

The Club sends in deepest condolences to Andrew Garner, Noel’s husband and her children, Alex and Greg.

Thank you, Noel, for all that you did; Abingdon AC wouldn’t be what it is today without you and won’t be the same without you.

Abingdon Athletics Club.