John Dunne tribute and funeral details

JOHN DUNNE (pictured left)

It is with great sadness that East Cheshire Harriers & Tameside Athletic Club announces the death of Mr John Dunne on 5 February 2023 aged 94 years. He was a long standing, very valued and much loved member of our club, who achieved great success coaching our Disability Athletes Squad.

Michael Churm was his first notable success who won a silver medal in the Sydney paralympics in 2000.

His next success came in 2008 when another one of his athletes, Ian Jones, was selected to represent Great Britain in the 200m and 400m at the Beijing Paralympics. Ian went on to win bronze medals in both events making John a very proud and happy man.

John’s own significant milestone that year was reaching the grand marker of 80 years of age, not that anyone would have guessed given his appetite and enthusiasm for the sport coupled with his own amazing fitness levels.

Along the way John received appropriate recognition being awarded both Tameside and Greater Manchester’s Coach of the Year awards. He was also selected to be an Olympic Torch Bearer for the 2012 games held in Great Britain.

I personally remember him as being a lovely, friendly gentleman who always had a cheeky grin on his face.
We are very proud of you John and are privileged to have had you as part of our club. You will be sadly missed by all your friends at ECH & TAC.

God bless you, rest in peace.
Christine Pearson
President