When we were kids I think we took it for granted that all teachers were like Paul - pouring heart and soul into so many extracurricular activities that introduced generation after generation to the wonders of the great outdoors and the joys of running and hiking through it. Running club in break times and after school, relay runs around Cornwall or from John O’Groats to Lands End to raise money for the hospice, camping trips to Dartmoor, Three Peaks expeditions… but also taking a leading role in Cornish and South Western athletics, spending weekends driving minibuses to league races and still having the time and energy to be an inspirational teacher and mentor to so many. Always cheerful, encouraging and outgoing, a force of nature! I still hear him shouting ‘suffer, babies!’ as we dragged tired limbs into yet another interval session, or debating the merits of the East Taphouse Olympic bud every time we drove through…It’s the benefit of hindsight that makes me realise how lucky we were, how lucky Cornish athletics was in general, to have his unceasing support and drive. A great man enabled by his amazing wife and family and to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. Rest in peace, Paul
Adam Bell
02/02/2025
