Sunday 24th June was a fantastic morning for Brian Leigh and Stockport Harriers. Brian has been a member of Stockport Harriers since 1980 and we are proud that he was selected to be an official Olympic torch bearer.
Stockport’s Olympic torch relay started at 8:20am and a chosen few carried the flame through Stockport town centre, along the A6 to Hazel Grove, finishing at the Adidas Factory on Pepper Road where they met the great Olympian Daley Thompson.
Brian carried the torch along the A6 through Great Moor. Running alongside Brian in support were a group of Harriers in their yellow club vests. Numerous other club members lined the route, which was packed on both sides, to cheer Brian on.
Brian has been responsible for many great achievements at Stockport Harriers. Between 1983 - 1987 he chaired the Stockport Athletic Track Appeal and was successful in obtaining £330,000 of funding for a synthetic track. Brian was also track manager for a couple of years. In 1986 he staged our 75th Anniversary 5 mile road race and he founded the Len Mullen Memorial cross-country race in aid of The Christie. He also assists with the young athletes’ track and field leagues at Woodbank.
Brian is an active campaigner for many charities and has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Help the Heroes, Gurkha Welfare Trust, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Beechwood Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, and many other charities and community causes.
We are delighted that such a great man was given such a tremendous opportunity. Well done Brian, and thank you for everything you’ve done for Stockport Harriers over the years.