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13th Nov, 2021, Alastair Aitken

One of our all-time ultra-distance walking greats has passed-on, aged 88. Legendary Fred of Highgate Harriers completed 19 UK sub-24 hours' 100 miles races, commencing with a 22:30.13 timing in the testing 1956 Sheffield-to-Harrogate-and-back (staged over Yorkshire's hills and dales), which saw 38 start and 21 finish (8 becoming new Centurions). Fred earned Centurion number 266. Fred served as The Centurions' Honorary Secretary from 1986 to 1995. When stepping down he passed this position on to fellow Highgate Harrier Bill Sutherland BEM. In 1982 Fred was elected as a Centurions' Vice-President. He resided in Carlisle, in a care home during his last days. For decades life was split between the UK and Australia, where he owned property. Needless to say he was in Carlisle for our spring and summer and, when weather turned for the worse, he was off "down under" for 6 months. He was one never to be forgotten. Our condolences to his family members.