In Memory of Mary Fullerton
It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of Mary Fullerton. Mary was initially diagnosed with cancer in September and passed away on the 13th April at Brentry Hospice.
Mary was a regular at the club over many years and frequently present at the Thursday interval sessions. She also enjoyed club training runs and would run in Group 3, and in the last year group 4.
Being a member of the club was very much a family affair for the Fullerton’s. Like a lot of our members she became involved with the club through her own children. Her daughters Niamh and Caoimhe both ran for Westbury, as did her husband, Eoin. One can only imagine the collection of muddy running shoes at the front door after Blaise club runs!
Westbury Harriers are famous for being the most social and friendly running club in Bristol, a philosophy Mary fully embraced. She was extremely friendly, always asking how people were and chatting away during club runs and interval warm ups and cool downs.
Mary was not just a social runner, when it came to representing the club at events she gave maximum effort. She competed in the 2015 Blaise Blazer, which we all know is infamous for its hills, crossing the finishing line in an impressive 32:19. She was also a regular at the Self Transcendence race series and relays between 2017 and 2019 in Eastville Park. Some of her highlights, which are pictured below, include a series win in the V50 age category in 2018 and supporting the vets relay team in 2019 to take first place. Also shown below is Mary celebrating her 2018 Self Transcendence relay V50 relay win with friends from the club.
This brings me on to some lovely comments from Eithne, a good friend and regular running buddy of Mary’s. Eithne tells me, “my lasting memory of Mary is at Eastville Parkruns where she was sure to pass me by with a cheery hello! As I huffed and puffed, she would cruise past in her easy style and disappear into the distance. She had a unique style of running which was speedy, yet looked effortless.”
Mary was very popular and known by most members in the club so will be greatly missed, although she will be forever in our thoughts.
The funeral details will be passed onto the club which is to be streamed from Clifton Cathedral. Please let me know if you would like to be provided with these details.
