It is with great sadness that I have to write to report the sudden death of assistant coach and friend, Duncan McGraw. Owing to the pandemic and absence of many of the usual club events, I suspect many of you would know Duncan more by sight than by name. Duncan had only been with the club for two or three years and became involved in coaching after his son, James, joined my own group. Duncan was one of life’s great doers and had been a breath of fresh air when he began supporting within the group I coach. Duncan was popular with all of the young athletes he worked with. His natural enthusiasm, cheerful demeanour and communication skills made him well suited to his role. I am certain, given time, he would have further developed his coaching and had an even greater impact at the club.
Beyond athletics, Duncan had a wide range of skills and interests that included journalism, swimming coaching, horse racing (he had a part ownership in a horse), bird-watching and football (Oldham fan, although he kept it quiet). Duncan also loved spending time with his family and was a great father. I will dearly miss Duncan, as will Kerrie, and regret that he was lost far too early with so much more to offer.
Duncan’s funeral will be held at Stockport Crematorium on Wednesday 2 June at 11.30am followed by Glossop Golf Club. If anyone wanted to attend the Golf Club they would be more than welcome but would need to let me know asap so I can let his family know for catering numbers.
Duncan’s family have also confirmed that they have set up a Just Giving page for the British Heart Foundation: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachael-mcgraw-1 and also www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rachael-mcgraw2