Grateful thanks to Ron Wallwork for circulating this tribute. For many of us in Lancashire Noel was an engaging regular at the BMAF 5km championships in Horwich, where she invariably dominated her age-group.

Noel Blatchford RIP 

The race-walking fraternity has been stunned by the passing of Noel Blatchford. Following her brilliant silver medal performance at the Euro Masters championships in Pescara, at the end of September, she became unwell and was hospitalized where it was discovered that she had a stroke. Unfortunately, more were to follow and she passed away on the 20^th of October.

The news devastated anyone who had had the privilege of knowing her.  Noel was not only a competitive racewalker; she was a qualified official and carried out duties across the athletic spectrum.  

A Golden double at the 2019 Euro Masters at 10 and 20kms (pictured) which earned her not only the BMAF Outstanding female walker of the year, but the equivalent recognition by the European Masters  Association. 

The tributes below are testament to what a wonderful lady she was. 

Just to say that I appreciate you sending news of the very sad passing of Noel. Apart from being a fine athlete she was a lovely lady who I shared some great conversations with at Donkey Lane. I feel very sad. She will be missed. Diana Braverman 

Terribly sad. Noel was always such an enthusiastic, upbeat, positive lady who radiated enjoyment for everything in life, and racewalking in particular. What a finale, winning that medal, and she would just have been cross, I’m sure, not to have been in the 10k too. Cath Duhig 

We are so shocked to receive the sad news of Noel, such a lovely lady, and so enthusiastic about our sport. We had only just sent her a get well card! When you get news of the funeral details please let us know as we would like to go if at all possible. Kind regards to you and Joan. Pam and Eric Horwill 

I am very sad to learn of the terrible news of Noel’s passing. She achieved…. Great race walking success … this is stunningly bad news. Adrian James 

So sad. Condolences, I have been a colleague on similar trips but couldn’t get off work for Pescara. Great admiration for Noel. Ed Shillabeer c590 

Gosh. That’s so sad. RIP Noel xx. Kathy Smith 

What a shock! A lot of the LWC lads and lasses got to know her through the Masters event in recent years – this is so sad. Tony Taylor 

Please pass our condolences to Andrew. Arthur has no recollection of Noel. I am going through old photos to see if I  can find any to jog his memory – extremely poor these days. Bonita Thomson 

We were sorry to hear the very sad news about Noel and we send our condolences to you and your families. Noel’s cheery smile and her company will be missed at Enfield League walks. Tracey, Tony, George and Callum Wilkinson 

Noel was such a lovely lady, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her, so sad Mark Williams

It is so sad. Kindly let me have Adrian’s address. Dave Annetts 

It is very sad news. If you contact Andrew please tell him how sorry I am to hear this news. Sue Barnett

Sad news indeed. If you receive any further news regarding funeral arrangements, please let me know. Ken Bobbett

What terrible news. Noel was such a lovely person I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling very sad to hear what has happened.I can only send my sympathy to her family and friends. Peter Hannell, Surrey Walking Club

Sorry to hear the news of Noel. Please pass on our condolences as we do not have an address for Andrew. Roger Michell

This screenshot of her performances in this very year gives only a partial insight into her athletic endeavours across the years.

For more background go to this link https://thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=37292 or go to Power of 10 and look up Noel’s profile under Athletes [Women]