Ivor Wiggett (1944-2026)

The Club are sad to hear that Ivor passed away on Tuesday morning after a short illness .

Ivor was a stalwart of North London AC which he joined in 1957 and a founder of London Heathside and tireless official acting at starter at up to 60 events per year as well as member of the Middlesex AA Committee. Everyone will sadly miss his cheery personality around athletic tracks and cross country courses.

Club Chairman Jerry says “It is with great sadness that I must report the death of Ivor on the 27th Jan. He passed away peacefully in hospital after a short illness with cancer. This was only picked up after he fell over in the street just before Christmas.

I believe Ivor joined the club, as it was named then, Hornsey St Mary’s Harriers in the early 60’s. In his mid 20’s he was a decent runner competing in the Chingford League and the various road races that existed at that time. I know that he ran under 54 mins for 10 miles, a time, I think, many of our members would be very happy with now.

Principally most of you will know Ivor or have seen him in the role as a race Starter, a task he has fulfilled over the past 25 years. Last year at the age of 81 he acted as the Starter in some 60 + track and field meetings including championships, league matches, school events and a regular at Watford Open meetings and our own home track meetings. He has also acted as a road race adjudicator throughout the London area. He will be greatly missed by many clubs and race organisers throughout London.

He has also acted as Chair and Hon Secretary of North London AC one of the clubs that formed London Heathside in 2000 and held similar posts with the Chingford League and until his death yesterday was the Chingford League President.

On a personal note, he was instrumental, back in the 70’s, in progressing the running careers of many club young athletes, as we were then, ensuring that we got to any training session or race when we needed to get there by car. It was always a bit of a hairy ride in his Triumph Dolomite Sprint but we always got there safe and sound. In the early 80’s and along with Ron Lambert (of the Lambert Shield fame) he ensured that our club progressed from a men’s only club, developing a new and thriving women’s section.

In short, he was one of the sports true servants and a great friend to many of us in the club. It will be nigh on impossible to replace him.”

The following article published in 2024 sums what a charming man he was. ARTICLE

The club’s best wishes go to Ivor’s family and friends at this time. His loss will leave a big hole in the athletics community.