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SPECIAL guests ... Sarah Whitehead with baby Jonty
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Memorial race will have a special guest
28/ 6/2008
A SPECIAL guest will be supporting the runners taking part in a memorial race in memory of former Rochdale teacher John Metcalfe – his grandson Jonty.
The former PE teacher learned that that his youngest daughter Sarah was expecting her first child just before he set off on a motorbike trip to New Zealand.
But tragically Mr Metcalfe, of War Office Road, Bamford, was killed before Jonty was born at Rochdale Infirmary on 7 May.
The 66-year-old father-of-two, who taught at St Wilfrid’s RC School and St Cuthbert’s RC High School, lost his life in an accident near Maramarua in the North Island in February on his way to visit a friend.
Sarah and her husband Duncan will take Jonty to Monday’s memorial race to celebrate the life of Mr Metcalfe, who was an inspiration to his many pupils.
They will be joined by Sarah’s sister Emma, her husband Paul Chadwick and Mr Metcalfe’s sister Margery Burnside.
The John Metcalfe Memorial Healey Dash, organised by Rochdale runner Andy O’Sullivan MBE with the Rochdale Harriers, will raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care.
Mr O’Sullivan decided to hold the race in honour of Mr Metcalfe because he taught him more than 40 years ago at St Wilfrid’s.
Sarah said: "I remember that when dad was a teacher he used to ride at the back of the runners on his bike and pick up those who were struggling.
"It is a really nice idea to have this run in his memory with all proceeds going to MacMillan. Dad would have been very proud."
Mr O’Sullivan says it was Mr Metcalfe who inspired him to take up running.
He said: "He was super fit, he used to give us trampoline displays and he was a top class motorcyclist.
"And the last time I saw him he was playing bridge.
"He was an all-rounder and he expected high standards from everybody."
He added: "I was boxing at school when he advised me that I should take up running if I was to stay fit.
"The least I could do is stage this event and give something back to a good cause like Macmillan."
The dash will start at 7pm from the Albion Inn, in Whitworth Road.
The entry fee for the race is £5 and £3 to club runners.
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29/06/2008 at 20:00