Maurice Collett

I should like to nominate Maurice Collett for the Olympic Torch Relay. Maurice is 88 years old but still extremely active, only finishing competing in orienteering events last year. I taught with Maurice when I started teaching in 1958. He introduced cross country and athletics into the school and was inspirational in motivating pupils to take part and represent the school. He was also co-founder and Chairman of the Westmorland Schools Athletic Association which allowed youngsters from a small county to compete at national level. He also funded the Kendal Athletic Club in the early 50's which is still very much in existence today and thriving. He introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme into the Kendal Boy's Modern School in the late 50's and Sir John Hunte visited to present the first awards. He initiated the Windermere - Kendal road race which became a major event in the North West and competed in for over 25 years and was a forerunner to the Windermere marathon Maurice, although disabled, completed in many and varied athletic events up to marathon level and even completed the Bob Graham 24 hour run. He proved to be inspirational and motivational to the hundreds of youngsters who came through the school in the years he taught and I am proud to be able to nominate him for this deserved accolade.