Sue Sayer – Tributes paid to unsung hero of Welsh athletics.

Tributes have been paid to Sue Sayer who died suddenly on Sunday 8^th March.

Sue, 68, from Buckley, was chair of Deeside Athletics Club, chair of the North Wales regional council and for the past two years has been President of Welsh Athletics. Until recently she was also secretary of the Welsh track and field committee. 

She had attended the indoor international meeting in Cardiff in her capacity as president on the day she passed away.

It is understood that as she was driving home she was taken ill near Craven Arms in Shropshire and pulled into a lay-by. A passer-by alerted the police and she was found to be dead.

The secretary of Deeside AAC Denise Harris said the news had come as a huge shock although she had not been in the best of health in recent years.

“I had known Sue for about 30 years since she first brought her daughter Caroline to the club as a youngster,” she said. “She started helping and became more involved as a team manager and eventually as chairperson. 

“Her death leaves a huge gap to fill because she did so much for the club.” 

Matt Newman, Welsh Athletics Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“Sue Sayer was a true unsung hero of athletics in Wales.

Sue showed an unbelievable commitment and dedication to her club, the North Wales Region and to athletics at a national and international level.

Her contribution was immense and she will be missed by everyone within the wider athletics family. Our thoughts are with Ivor, Caroline and Richard at this difficult time.”

Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sargeant also paid tribute saying:

“I would like to pay tribute to Mrs Sue Sayer and her tireless work on behalf of athletics in Deeside,” said Carl Sargeant, Alyn and Deeside AM.

“She was a true champion of the sport in the region and her dedication to her club helped create opportunities for so many young people in the community. She could rightly be proud of the achievements of local athletes at national and international level.

“I would like to express my sincere condolences to her family who have all contributed greatly to athletics locally. My thoughts are with them during this very difficult time.”