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DAVID STAFF MEMORIAL FELL RACE
12th December 1999
This report first appeared in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph on Wednesday 15th December 1999.
Report by Steve Tinniswood
Tower of Strength
Runners from across East Lancashire and further afield headed for the hills of Darwen to pay tribute to a young athlete who tragically died from a heart condition while taking part in a road race five years ago.
The Darwen Dashers have hosted the gruelling David Staff Memorial five mile fell race ever since and club members joined Emmerdale's Eric Pollard - alias Christopher Chittell - in a field of 184 competitors for the climb to Darwen Tower.
Chittell, a keen road runner, said it was the first time he had taken to fell running and, judging by his reaction, he will be back for more.
The 900 foot climb from The Kiosk in Sunnyhurst Woods to the Tower is as tough as they come but the Dashers had plenty to cheer about when Richard Thomas finished as runner up in a time of 34 minutes 16 seconds.
Thomas finished behind Paul Dobson of Leeds City who made the trip across the Pennines to come in first in 33 mins 58 secs.
At the other end of the scale, the Dashers also took the first female 60 prize thanks to founder member Maureen Roberts.
Despite the high entry of competitors from the local clubs, only John Wieczorek of Clayton Harriers managed to break into the top 10 when he finished in eigth place in 35 mins 52 secs.
However, all the local clubs featured highly in the prized veterans sections.
Tim Ryan of Blackburn Harriers was the first Male 45 home in 38 mins 32 secs and in 31st position overall.
Robert Taylor of Darwen-based West Pennine Runners took the Male 50 award when he finished 21st in 37 mins 45 secs.
Rossendale's Geoff Fielding claimed 33rd position and first Male 55 in 39 mins 13 secs with John Barker of Clayton Harriers first Male 60 home in 116th position with a time of 47 mins 42 secs.
Mark Emmett of Blackburn Harriers was the first junior male to finish in 29th place in 38 mins 32 secs.
However, the event was not just about running as 12 youngsters used the event to go towards their Duke of Edinburgh bronze award.
The club would like to thank Crown Paints of Darwen for sponsoring the event and to all those who turned up to act as marshals.
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The following report first appeared in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph on Monday 13th December 1999
Report by Mike Ribbeck
Emmerdale's Eric in race to raise cash
Soap star Christopher Chittell joined hundreds of hardy runners to take part in a race dedicated to the memory of tragic teenager David Staff.
David, whose parents Sue and Granville live in Carus Avenue, Hoddlesden, died while he was taking part in a road race five years ago. It was later discovered that the 17-year-old fell victim to an irreversible, symptomless heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
David's former club, the Darwen Dashers, have since held five fell runs in his memory and raised money for the charity CRY at the same time.
Emmerdale actor Christopher, who plays evil Eric Pollard, showed a softer side to his character before the five mile race which started at Sunnyhurst Woods in Darwen.
Christopher, who lives in Newark, Nottinghamshire, brought along several actor friends.
He revealed: "I usually run in marathons to raise money for Leukaemia Research but I did this as a favour to the Staffs. I met a young woman a few years ago who had leukaemia who made a big impression on me.
"She had lost a leg but that didn't stop her from taking part in races but sadly she died. I was very impressed by her and ever since then I have tried to do my little bit for charity."
Christopher added: "Because of the sort of character I play in Emmerdale people are always a bit nervous when they come up to me. They don't know what to expect because I'm known as the bad guy and I like the humour you can get out of the situation. I have been running for years but not normally up hils like these guys.
He said: "I first met Granville at Coniston, along with his brother Ken, and they suggested that I should come along with a few of my friends to have a go in the race.
"It was a good cause and it was nice to have the opportunity to do something for Granville and his family."
Sue Staff said: "This is the fifth race we have done for David and it is nice that people still remember him. We are just pleased that so many people have truned out despite the terrible weather. It only seems like yesterday to us that David died but it is nice to know he is remembered by so many people."
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