Norman Schofield

Norman Schofield epitomised what Radcliffe AC is all about.  We are the small and friendly club and Norman represented the “everyman” in all of us.

He joined Radcliffe AC around 1987 starting with 3 mile races and building up to 10k and half marathon events, receiving medals for taking part, and enjoying the friendly camaraderie within the club.  He was a middle of the pack runner who relished stretching his potential and achieving his own personal best, but first and foremost taking part and having fun.

He was always there to give support and encouragement to others in club races and training nights.  Norman’s biggest and proudest achievement was receiving the Presidents Shield in November 1989.

It had been in July 1989 Norman had been diagnosed with leukaemia and in August that same year underwent his first treatment.  Sadly on 9th December 1989 he lost his fight.

Norman was born on the 13th March 1942 and lived at 3 Strangford Street, Radcliffe.  He worked at Bibby & Baron Paper Mill, Dumers Lane, Radcliffe from leaving school, and married Mavis in 1962.  With their children Wayne and Claire they enjoyed camping holidays in Great Britain, especially the Lake District.  In his teens he was in the Scouts and became a Scout Leader at St Matthews in Little Lever for many years.

Norman loved music and was a bass guitar player in a dance band travelling to gigs at weekends in a second hand Bedford van.  What a laugh!  Mavis recorded happy memories of those times.

Shortly after Norman’s death in 1989 she donated the Norman Schofield Cup to be awarded annually to the most successful male vet 45.  This is now awarded annually to a deserving male athlete for their achievements.