Welsh Athletics is very sad to report the sudden death of Welsh Athletics President Sue Sayer late on Sunday 8th March.
Matt Newman, Welsh Athletics Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Sue Sayer was a true unsung hero of athletics in Wales.
Sue showed an unbelievable commitment and dedication to her club, the North Wales Region and to athletics at a national and international level.
Her contribution was immense and she will be missed by everyone within the wider athletics family. Our thoughts are with Ivor, Caroline and Richard at this difficult time.”
News of her death has stunned everyone connected with the sport and sadly it is the second tragedy involving North Wales officials in the past week.
Last week Gareth Brooks, 35-year-old son of Paul Brooks, of Leeswood, the secretary of the North Wales regional athletics council, died in hospital after a short illness .
Sue Sayer, 68, from Buckley, was chair of Deeside Athletics Club, chair of the North Wales regional council and for the past two years has been President of Welsh Athletics. Until recently she was also secretary of the Welsh track and field committee.
In her role as President she attended numerous competitions and meetings throughout Wales, and at the close of Sunday’s indoor international in Cardiff was presented with a bouquet.
It is understood that as she was driving home she was taken ill near Craven Arms in Shropshire and pulled into a lay-by. A passer-by alerted the police and she was found to be dead.
The secretary of Deeside AAC Denise Harris said the news had come as a huge shock although she had not been in the best of health in recent years.
“I had known Sue for about 30 years since she first brought her daughter Caroline to the club as a youngster,” she said. “She started helping and became more involved as a team manager and eventually as chairperson.
“Her death leaves a huge gap to fill because she did so much for the club.”
Gareth Hughes, vice-chairman of the North Wales regional council, said Mrs Sayer was constantly working for the good of the sport in the region and was very proud of the achievements of local athletes at national and international level.
“She made a massive contribution to the sport over many years, which was recognized by her election as President, and she was forever speaking up for North Wales,” he said.
A former teacher, Mrs Sayer received a Welsh Athletics meritorious award in 2001 and 12 years later was presented with Award of Honour.
She leaves her husband Ivor, himself a much-respected official race starter, and children Richard and Caroline, all of whom have made a huge contribution to athletics.
Details of the funeral arrangements to follow.
Our sincere condolences to husband Ivor and her children Richard & Caroline.
