"This Power that wrought on us and goes
Back to the Power again"
The above mysterious couplet sprang to mind as soon as I heard the sad news that Graham had succumbed to Parkinson's disease.
I only knew Graham Ellis as a (very gifted and tenacious) runner. Graham's consistently hard training schedules transformed him from a promising "Youth" runner (aged 17) into a very formidable Senior. Graham was one of those rare people who managed to combine full-time work with running at the highest level. Graham was a very accomplished road, track (10,000 metres) and cross country runner. As soon as he became a Senior Graham's potential was quickly recognised by the England selectors.
Despite all his successes as a Senior,I always felt that Graham's finest hour as a runner was his victory in the Inter-Counties Junior Cross Country in 1975,at Leicester. While "limbering up" beforhand with Graham I asked him where he thought he might finish - "first five" I enquired, tentatively? Graham gave me a searching stare as I response. I knew then that he thought he could win. With great determination Graham ran a perfectly judged race to win the Junior (19 & 20 year olds) Inter-Counties - an honour that very few runners achieve.
Though apparently shy, Graham had an engaging personality, he was kind and considerate. He was also modest and very reluctant to talk about his own achievements.
Graham was very hard working- as evidenced by his major contribution to the encyclopaedic record of the history of Holmfirth Harriers "See How They Run" which he co-authored.I shall treasure my copy - signed by all three of the writers -all the more,now.
Le vent souffle aux carreaux,
Dans le bruit de la pluie
Tu entends un echo
Une chanson perdue
Qui te vient d'un pays
Que tu ne reverras jamais plus.
When I read these lilting and melancholy words I can imagine, in my mind's eye a youthful Graham Ellis running powerfully into the twilight .............
James Todd
30/06/2024
