Letter: Pals’ achievements are an inspiration

This letter sent to the Star was written by Mike Dodgson, Marchwood, S6
Sandy Savory (left) Mike Dodgson (right) in EyamSandy Savory (left) Mike Dodgson (right) in Eyam
Sandy Savory (left) Mike Dodgson (right) in Eyam

On October 29, 2016, the Star letter title was "Pals' achievements are an inspiration". The well-presented article reported on the magnificent achievements of two elderly, amateur, sportsmen. In the three years that have passed standards have been maintained, but still with gratitude for their continuing good health.

Jack (Cowlishaw has now turned 80 years and thus within another age bracket, 80-85 years, for the Run Britain UK rankings, and out of a grand total of 674 has so far achieved rankings from first to fifth from his accumulated running achievements. Jack's main involvements range from three miles to half marathons involving charity concerns. He takes it easy during the short park-run events, makes regular daily trips to the gym and swimming baths and has enjoyed a summer cycle ride to Cleethorpes. An enjoyable personal routine that would credit much younger men.

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Sandy Savory, not yet 80, is still achieving around 10,000 miles per year cycling his favourite routes around Sheffield from his home near Wordsworth Avenue, from where he regularly starts at 7am more than once per week. Many Star readers will have seen Sandy, who is not deterred by the high volumes of traffic on Penistone Road which he has to negotiate to enjoy his most popular rides in Derbyshire, from where he returns mid-to-late afternoon. I recently had the pleasure of a truly chance meeting at Eyam and the opportunity to record it. Here I learnt that he didn't want to be too late home as he had to prepare his geraniums and other plants for winter. However, at home, it cannot be denied that he has a very understanding wife who supports him at home as well as when Sandy is out on his bike.

The two foregoing cases will no doubt be representative of many more inspirational stories from the actions made by male and female sporting people, able or otherwise.

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