Maurice Minns
Very sadly, Maurice Minns passed away peacefully and at home on the 21st October. Maurice had been in ill health over the last six months.
Up until the last three years, Maurice had been the Race Director of The Wilmslow Half Marathon for some 30 years. Belligerent and cantankerous at times, but deep down a heart of gold, as I got to find out working with him for some 15 years. Maurice ran with Wilmslow Running Club from its beginnings and until the early 2000s, as well as being a huge part of the Rugby section.
Much of what the clubs at the heart of the race enjoy, Wilmslow Phoenix, Running & Rugby Clubs, were all developed through the hard work of Maurice and his vision. From the very early days of the Half Marathon, he led the team his way…pen and paper…no technology.
The relationships with the charities were forged by Maurice, and delivered large donations over many years.
Sometimes the Half Marathon meetings could get heated, but everything forgotten over a beer and a smile…most likely muttering under his breath…”daft bugger”!
In later years and prior to his illness, I would meet Maurice for an early doors drink. Chew the fat, and smile at the politically correct modern world. Maurice would struggle to understand that now…on occasions I do!
When you are next at the Club, look around you and realise how lucky we are. Thank you Maurice.
We have lost a huge part of the Club, and one that always lived life his way.
Nick Bishop.
Race Director.
In terms of the WHM/WRF and donations directly from WRF/WHM it’s donated £560,000 over 10 years.