MEMORIES OF ANDY

Andy was someone I had known from the Dartford Harrier's days. He was always laughing and joking. In my earlier days I often found myself running with Andy in races towards the end. On one such occasion I was competing in the London Marathon some 10 years ago. I had caught Andy up at the 20 mile mark. I was shot to bits and Andy was also going through a rough patch but we still managed to have a laugh and joke. Andy was hurting and said to me don't wait I will see you at the end. I carried on and reached the finish but I did not see Andy until the following week and he said to me "Dave I have got to hand it to you, you looked absolutely awful, worse than I felt you still managed to shuffle away into the distance" I have never forgotten this and only two weeks ago I had spent some time with Andy whilst marshalling the Dartford Bridge Triathlon and Andy said to me " Dave I will always remember your marathon shuffle" and we both laughed. Andy was a real nice guy and will be sadly missed.

David Ringrose

To everyone who knew Andy, he was the nicest, friendliest guy on Earth. He had a smile and a good word for everyone. I was privileged to count Andy as one of my dearest and closest friends. Of all the time we spent together he never once failed to brighten my day. Andy will be a great loss to everyone and I know that my life will be emptier without him.

Of the many stories about Andy, the one I’ll always like the best is the one where we were both marshalling at the Bridge Triathlon earlier this year. I was on the bike transition out and Andy was in the lead boat on the swim course.
He positioned the boat just out from the start and started rowing when the klaxon sounded; very soon the lead swimmers were catching him up so Andy rowed faster and faster and faster until he was going as fast as he could but the lead guys were still closing the gap.
So Andy thought “I know, I’ll swing over to one side and let them pass” but as he turned they turned with him, the sweat was pouring off him and he started to panic. Just as they catch up with the boat he’s gesturing with his arm and yelling at them to pass to the side but they can’t hear him until they hit the boat and look up to find out what’s happening.

When Andy was telling me this story he was laughing so hard it just made it all the funnier. I laughed so much my sides were hurting. I’ll always think of that story when I think of Andy.

Martin Heap

Ian and myself was so upset after hearing the news about Andy, unfortunately neither of us can be down the club tomorrow night. Our thoughts go out to his family, and we will be thinking about him tomorrow night when you are all running. We will remember for his warm and friendly nature, his guts for having a go at anything and his great sense of humour along with his infectious laugh. He will be well and truly missed.

Nikki and Ian

Unfortunately I will not be at the club on Tuesday; I am out of the country for work commitments. I would have liked to say few words about Andy and maybe you will be so kind to share my thoughts with the other fellow runners at the club. I met Andy in Club La Santa, Lanzarote, where he was competing in off road marathon. One thing that struck me straight away was how happy and friendly Andy was; there was something about him that made talking to him very enjoyable. Andy was one of those rare people that bring happiness with them. I cannot remember one single circumstance when he did not smile during a conversation. And his smile was always kind and genuine, two qualities that are easy to appreciate, but difficult to find. I can hardly comprehend the sadness of Andy's family and my thoughts are with them. I will miss Andy and I hope he is now running light and fast in a better place.