Brenda Wilmot, tribute and funeral details

Brenda joined Essex Ladies A.C. when she was 14 years old and was a good junior sprinter and a regular member of the relay team. She gave up athletics when she married and had a family but came back to the club with her daughter Debbie who became a successful sprinter too.

Brenda quickly became involved with the club and started helping out with coaching, taking on a middle distance group. She eventually became club secretary, a post she held for several years. She was heavily involved with the successes of the senior team who travelled to Europe for club competition on at least 4 occasions. Brenda’s organising abilities and efficiency came to the fore at this time as she juggled with flights, hotels etc in an effort to always get the best for our athletes.

Brenda had always been a leading light in seeking sponsorship for the club, but as this became harder to source particularly for women’s clubs, the idea of amalgamation with Woodford Green A.C. became a reality and was achieved in 1999. Brenda embraced this and gave her full support to both men’s and women’s teams, becoming the first female president of the combined club from 2011-13, having previously been elected a Life Member of Essex Ladies.

Throughout her time in athletics, Brenda’s main interest had always been for the athletes and the club. She never looked for glory herself. She will be sorely missed.