Athletics Volunteer Honored as BBC West Sports Unsung Hero

A volunteer from an athletics club has been recognized as the BBC West Sports Unsung Hero for the year 2024. Bob Purcell has consistently dedicated his weekends to fostering grassroots athletics at various tracks, enduring all weather conditions, since 1991. Initially, Mr. Purcell guided a junior team at Gloucester Athletics; however, coaching evolved into his primary passion, leading him to specialize in disability athletics, encompassing disciplines such as wheelchair racing and frame running. Charlie Price, an athlete with disabilities who received training from Mr. Purcell, stated, “He’s an outstanding and inspirational person who has helped us in so many ways.” The Gloucester Athletics Track deteriorated significantly over time, reaching a point where it was almost deemed unusable. The amenities were insufficient, and the track suffered an arson attack that destroyed the high jump bed and inflicted considerable damage. Lacking floodlights, Mr. Purcell conducted winter coaching sessions for athletes using the illumination from car headlights positioned on the field. Driven by a commitment to enhance facilities for both his athletes and the wider community, he initiated the establishment of a charitable organization, Gloucester Athletics Track Management. This entity assumed responsibility for the track’s upkeep from the local council. He engaged with the council, Members of Parliament, and various local businesses to obtain the necessary funding for repairs and to safeguard the track’s future viability. Iain Willoughby, a club member, remarked, “It was virtually derelict but Bob took it upon himself to go to the council and, the short story is, that £250,000 was allocated shortly after.” Willoughby continued, “We even got a new track in 2012 that Bob persuaded Princess Anne to come and open.” He further added, “He puts an awful lot of work in behind the scenes, he’s always here, he’s got us these facilities and, if we want something done, he gets us support from the council and the community.” Mr. Purcell performs tasks such as mowing the infield, maintaining the hurdles, and even undertaking the less appealing duty of unblocking toilets. He also coaches a consistent disability athletics squad catering to both children and adults. Additionally, Mr. Purcell raised funds for essential equipment, including racing wheelchairs and frame runners, and facilitated the installation of a Changing Places toilet at the facility. Mary-Clare Faulkner, who serves as the inclusive cycling lead at Goals Beyond Grass, commented, “He’s been absolutely instrumental in getting our project off the ground and running.” She further elaborated, “He optimises this track because they are so warm and welcoming to people of every ability and there aren’t many tracks who will allow bikes to be ridden on their surface but he’s moved barriers out of our way at every step.” Caroline Courtney, the cabinet member for culture and leisure, conveyed that Gloucester City Council was “thrilled” by Mr. Purcell’s accomplishment. Courtney stated, “Bob has been a hardworking volunteer champion of athletics in the city for many years, in particular disability sports, and he thoroughly deserves this recognition.” She added, “The city council is proud to have worked constructively with Bob and his colleagues over the years, on projects such as the new Blackbridge Community Hub, and we look forward to continuing to do so.” Readers can follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.