It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Pete O'Hare who was the driving force behind the formation of Hyde Village Striders in 2002. Pete's enthusiasm started the club on it's journey as a sociable and supportive group of runners which remains true to this day.

Many people, both at the club and in the wider running community via his Learn 2 Run programme, were introduced to running by Pete and have fond memories of his nurturing and supportive nature.

As a service to local athletics Pete also wrote a weekly column in the sports pages of the Tameside Reporter chronicling the race performances of local runners. He took the time to check how runners had previously done and was quick to praise those who had managed a personal best.

Pete's family and friends are in the thoughts of many of us at the club during this difficult time.

Elizabeth Rourke, a member since the very first club run, has written the following tribute.

Fond memories of a running coach.

Whoever would have thought it all those years ago.

When a handful of enthusiasts joined you run walking very slow.

I was in your maiden Stride out group, and in number we were few.

Now more than 250 members are in a club, founded by you.

Striders are a tough ole bunch, we run even when it’s muddy.

And each and every one of us is each other’s running buddy.

I lead the current Stride out course, in the past there’s been quite a few.

So every Monday and Wednesday nights the streets of Hyde are blue.

Farewell coach your legacy will never diminish.

Rest in peace  Pete O’Hare a Strider to the finish.