We mourn the passing of Past President Colin Pearson (b.1943)

More than 50 Belgravians and athletes from all over south London attended the funeral of Past President Colin Pearson (1994-1995) which took place at Eastbourne crematorium on the 24th February.

Colin had both a tough beginning and ending to his life. Abandoned at the age of 3 he was brought up in a children’s home in Croydon. He went to Southfields School and at the age of 15 started work as an apprentice printer. At 18 he joined the army and served in Cyprus as a UN soldier during the troubles there. After 3 years in the army he re-entered the print trade and joined Belgrave in 1968. He soon developed in to a fine middle distance runner winning 2 Southern 12 stage medals and gaining a Surrey vest in the classic  Mitcham 15 mile road race. An injury at work in 1980 put an end to his running and he became more involved in club admin. He managed the Belgrave youth team and supported emerging talent which included John Gladwin, Dave North, Stuart and Andy Paton, Mark Sinclair and Graham Adams. He took over from Gordon Biscoe as Road Race Manager and masterminded Belgrave’s 1991 Southern 12 stage victory.

Sadly in later life he contracted ME and other viruses and his health deteriorated year on year. He passed away on Feb 4 2016 after several months in Hospital.

Among the mourners were John Gladwin, Stuart Paton, Dave North, Graham Adams and Mark Sinclair and his family.  John Mather, Gordon Biscoe, Bob Taylor and the Laws family represented Belgravians who had known Colin from 1968. John and Jenny Martin travelled from Swindon to pay their tributes..

Our condolences and best wishes go to Colin’s wife Chris.