I am very sad to report the passing today of Rossendale Harrier Pete Hartley. Whilst many members may know Pete for his fantastic Fellrunning photographs many of which have appeared on the cover of the Fellrunner magazine Pete was also a fantastic runner before a car accident not of his own making brought his running to an early halt.
Peter was a lovely person and will be sadly missed by all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He never had a disparaging word to say about anyone and he was always cheerful and encouraging.
His ' palmares ' is extensive notching up wins in events like the Fellsman Hike and High Peak marathon as well as multiple sub 1hr 40 runs at Ben Nevis and a 4th place in the 3 Peaks race. He soloed the Matterhorn the photos from that event I will forever remember.
He was a particulary tough ' hard ' and determined runner but someone you would gladly share your runs with.
I particulary remember a day in North Wales whereby on the Sunday the day after competing in the Welsh 1000 metre summits race a dozen or so of us from the club scrambled across Crob Goch in blazing sunshine to then drop into the Cwm below for a well deserved swim in the tarn. Days such as that in the mountains, shared with Pete will be forever remembered, even though it probably 30 years or more ago now.
Our thoughts are with Denise( Park ) his partner and his family at this time. I'm sure that many, people will want to come along and pay their last respects, such was the effect that Pete has made on people throughout his life and when I know the arrangements I will let everyone know.