Herne Hill Harriers are sad to announce that Don Taylor passed away on 5th July

Don was one of the top distance runners in the country during the early 1960s
He was born on 1.6.1936 and joined Herne Hill Harriers on 5.3.1960
Amongst his many honours included setting a British record for 10000m with 28.52.4 in August 1963 when representing Great Britian in an international match v West Germany at the White City becoming the first British athlete to break 29 minutes for 10000m. He represented Great Britain over track and field and on the road with his most successful year being 1963 when he was ranked 10th british miler that year, 5th in the country for 3000m and fourth in the world for 10000m. His best times were 4.03 for the mile 7.58 for 30000m 13.56 for 5000m - still impressive times 50 years later.

Don was a very quiet, popular and unassuming man who took great pride in representing Herne Hill Harriers in major championships or local road or track races, fit or not. He had been suffering from ill health for some years but managed to remain cheerful and regularly attended clubs social functions being guest speaker at our 120th anniversary dinner in November 2010. He was instrumental in getting wheelchairs races accepted into the London Marathon and was involved for many years in Sport England.

DON G TAYLOR, M.A
1936 - 2012

There is to be a funeral and thanksgiving service for Don’s remarkable life to which you are most welcome to attend

On WEDNESDAY 18TH JULY 2012
at 11 am
at ST MARTIN’S CHURCH, CHURCH ROAD,
WEST DRAYTON UB7 JPT

Don supported many charities but of them all, those closest to his heart were:

The Primary Club - The cricketers' charity that raises money to provide sports and recreational facilities for the visually impaired - www.primaryclub.org

The Camphill Village Trust Ltd - A UK charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and special needs living in 11 communities throught the UK - www.cvt.org.uk

Hammersmith Hospital Kidney Patients' Association - A Uk Charity for patients and carers of kidney patients at Hammersmith Hospital, London - www.hammersmithkpa.org.uk

If you would like to give something in Don’s memory for any of these charities please send your donation to Grimsteads Funeral Directors, Swan Road, West Drayton UB7 7JZ