TRIBUTE TO MICK & CARMEL

What can I not say about this couple? To me they are the perfect pair – one clown, (in the nicest way possible), steadied by a lovely lady. Both are dedicated runners and a credit to Wesham RR. They are supportive of all other members and an inspiration to everyone. No event can ever be dull with them around.

Mick is always acting the fool and it is hard to find a serious photo of him. No gathering is ever dull with him around. As Captain Jack he makes a ‘serious’, (did I say that?), contribution to our Website Message Board. Yes, it really is him in the photo on the left! Must admit though, it was my editing and not a true photo but I think he looks rather dashing don’t you? However there is another side to the man to which I have been privileged to know. Mick is a very sincere, sensitive, and devoted friend. He is always willing to listen and always asks after me and “How are you doing?” This is not a casual question – it is true concern and that is the measure of the man – he is a true friend and one I will always cherish. Mick has gone through several injuries, and is still doing so, but he always bounces back. Sometimes I think he bounces back too soon for his own good but he does so love to be involved.

Carmel, on the other hand, is the steadying influence in this partnership. (At least I think she is!) (I apologise for the edited photo on the cover Carmel but it was the only Pirate Lady I could find and I did get Mick’s permission to use it.) Carmel has a wonderful bright, cheerful, and sincere personality and, like Mick, cares very much about her fellow club members. She is an asset to the Ladies teams and has made significant achievements. She has won numerous trophies and I can’t imagine where she puts them all. Her magnificent auburn hair must be the envy of any catwalk model and makes her easily identifiable in a race. This photo at the right side does not do her justice but see it when this report goes on our website in full colour and you will know what I mean.

To summarise – Wesham Road Runners is extremely fortunate to have such a couple in their Membership. This Tribute Section is my way of thanking them for all they do. You are two of my favourite people and I love you both to bits.

Brenda xx WRR Editor

Submitted: 1^st April 2011

TRIBUTE TO MICK & CARMEL

Very kindly got a lift off Mick to Calder Vale 10 at Easter. To cut a long story short, I gave him wrong directions (in my defence I'm great at driving myself, but when I have to direct somebody else, I'm hopeless!). When we eventually got there (despite me saying park by the Village Hall) Mick, (cowardly), insisted on obeying the marshals and parking on official car park (15 minute walk away) - (slight exaggeration). Mick seemed to know every single runner there and had a chat with all and sundry.

When Carmel burst on the scene, she seemed to come from nowhere to winning races. Both Carmel & Mick are very supportive to their fellow runners and events even when they are themselves injured. Mick sent me a text after the Blackpool 10k to say well done - (He doesn’t just send dirty jokes!!!) 

When either of them are injured they still turn up to marshal/take photos/shout abuse........I mean encouragement.

Martin Bates

Submitted: 11^TH May 2011

WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT CARMEL AND MICK?

I chuckled to myself when I read the email saying that this issue would be dedicated to Carmel and Mick. So many things to say and so little time to type them! The second thing that sprung to my mind was how many things Mick would have to say, given the chance. That could be a full issue on its own, unless Carmel made him behave of course.

I suppose I should be serious for a moment and add some proper comments about them. I am not the best person at meeting new people. I am not very outgoing, so struggle to bounce straight into conversation with people. That didn’t matter when I first met the ‘terrible twosome’. I remembered wandering into Carr Hill like a schoolboy starting his first day, when I first attended a training night. Within a moment or two both Carmel and Mick had said ‘hello’ and proceeded from that moment to talk to me as a friend.

Not many people have that very warm and friendly way about them, so it has been wonderfully refreshing meeting people who have. Fortunately Wesham has a good few people with these qualities. I don’t know if anyone else has Mick’s special way of being warm and friendly? That blend of friendly sarcasm is quite unusual I think, though most definitely my kind of humour.

One thing I must comment on is how ultra-positive they always are about other people’s efforts to run. As they are both very good runners they could choose to look down on lesser athletes like myself, but they never do. I remember when I first joined, Carmel was out injured, so was marshalling the Summer Handicap and Sotos races. She shouted positive comments the moment I dragged my weary bones near her position. I think that kind of motivation is a key aspect of why I joined Wesham and Carmel and Mick have totally fulfilled my hopes in having fellow team members who are there to cheer you on.

I have also always asked advice from them both about races, as they have done pretty much all of them on the planet! Angela and I did learn early on that if Carmel said a race was great and that we would love it, then it wouldn’t be flat! Funnily enough, we now love running in the hills! They always give spot on advice about races, so if you need to know about somewhere, ask them. Just don’t expect a straight answer from Mick, ha!

Another plus for Carmel is of course that she is from Fleetwood, like Angela and I. Nice to have another local girl on the team, even if she has migrated to sunnier areas.

My Mum would be upset I am sure if I didn’t mention that she thinks Mick is great. She loves his sense of humour. She only comes to races nowadays to listen to his banter I think, and to let Carmel take piccies of her and the dog. She even loves the comments he puts underneath the piccies, as do all of us I am sure.

After my operation they both were very interested in how I was getting on and as always very positive that I would return to running stronger than ever - fortunately they seem to be right. This just goes to show again quite what lovely people they are and what a credit they are to the club.

To finish I would like to thank them for making me smile so many times over the last couple of years and for helping make this the “Friendly Club” I hoped it would be. Hopefully we will keep seeing them running like demons for many years to come, as well as showcasing the welcoming side of our club, wherever they race.

Written by Charles Colby

12^th May 2011

TRIBUTE TO MICK & CARMEL

As a relative newcomer to the club and certainly not in the league of some of the runners I think it worth a mention as to how supportive Mick and Carmel have been.  I have never yet done a handicap evening when, as Mick or Carmel has passed me by, a few words of encouragement are hurled in my direction.  The Derwentwater Puma Trail last year was really the first time I had really chatted to either of them and Carmel, seeing how terrified I was at the enormity of what I had foolishly entered for, was absolutely amazing in chatting to me, calming me down, lending me money for a hat, and making me feel like I would be OK.  They both even took the time to be at the entry to the park to cheer me on to the end; having finished a good way before me!!  Whenever they are at races they always take the time to speak to everyone that they see, are encouraging, supportive and friendly. 

True representatives of the "Friendly Club".

Ruth Turner

12^th May 2011

Carmel Sullivan C.B.E.

(Chips beans ‘n egg)

You all know Carmel, as the beautiful, bubbly red haired girl with the addictive smile, always full of fun and laughter with a heart as big as the moon. Despite her own problems with recurring injuries over the years I have never heard Carmel complain. I am sure there are times when she would love to unload her feelings but that is not her way. She is always more interested in how others are doing, turning up at races supporting and taking photo's which is another story altogether!

A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to train with Carmel as we both prepared for the London Marathon. The long training runs from Lytham Windmill to Bispham and back, (24 miles), were so much more pleasant with Carmel to run with. Some people are just so easy to train with. They seem to take the pain out of the run. Carmel is certainly one of these people - a joy to train with.

You will no doubt read more about Carmel's running achievements in other articles so I will endeavour to give you an insight into the girl herself. Being from Fleetwood, Carmel is a proper northern lass! No airs and graces, what you see is what you get. On a recent trip to Torremolinos and Gibraltar, while everyone else was enjoying the local cuisine of Paella, Sardines cooked over hot coals, Olives etc, Carmel was busy searching out the local bars that had Egg and Chips on the menu! Also on a recent trip to one of Lytham's finest Curry Houses she looked no further than Roast Chicken and Chips on the menu, washed down with a pint of Draught.

I love spending time in Carmel's company as does my wife Louise. She has the ability to make you smile whatever the occasion, her stories of work and everyday comings and goings are often hilarious and the funniest part is she doesn't realise she is so funny. What will become apparent if you spend any time with Carmel is how honest she is. Carmel has the ability to tell you exactly what she thinks whilst cleverly removing any trace of malice - a gift indeed. I really do not believe she has the ability to be nasty. A lot of the funny stories are factual and arise from Carmel's normal working day. Now I’m not exactly sure of her work title, all I know is it involves looking after adults with various disabilities and learning difficulties. I apologise if this is not the correct job description; stories in the past that have had us in stitches could quite easily have been penned by Peter Kay. Another thing that becomes apparent is how much Carmel enjoys her job and cares about the people who put their trust in her, always using their first names which tell me this is a caring and personal relationship. Caring and personal are two of Carmel's qualities which stand out for me. The other reason I think Carmel is cut out for this type of work is the fact that she lives with Mick. How better could you prepare for a job like hers than to spend your leisure time with someone who is totally deranged and about as far detached from the real world as Richard Branson’s island home? Mother Theresa would have been tested to the max by this lunatic, but Carmel takes it all in her stride, using humour, and laughter to make light of whatever insane antics he has in store. I count myself very lucky to have Carmel as one of my close friends. A group not based on size more on quality, and for this I am grateful. All the very best to you,

Lotsa Luv X – Graham V

Submitted: 14^th May 2011

Mick Edge M.B.E.

(Must be excused)

I hope you did not expect a serious write up from me!! Hope you approve and enjoy.

Where do I begin without breaking patient confidentiality? Here is a bloke who, at first glance, would appear somewhat normal! But, after no time at all, whoever you are or wherever you may be, that big stupid grin will appear as will the mischievous twinkle in his eye. At this moment you should proceed with great caution for the ‘master prankster’ is about to plot your downfall. I count myself amongst his many previous victims and, for that reason, I feel a duty to pen this 'warning' if you like, in the hope that I may save a few of you from his relentless pursuit of embarrassment and ridicule. Don't ever be tempted to let your guard down, even when you think you are having a normal friendly chat he is plotting. He takes in every word and look and, with devilish precision, twists it and uses it for later as ammunition to fuel his own amusement. Of course the professionals amongst us know that this is all a smoke screen tactic to deflect attention away from his own flaws, of which there are many. While the alpha males among us flick through the motoring mags and football columns, Mick is most happy reading the findings of a recent poll taken on the latest anti-ageing cream or brow firming lotion. I can say, in all honesty, I have never known a bloke with as many lotions and potions in my life. God only knows what he would look like without them! His bathroom must resemble the dressing room at Funny Girls!!! A place, I am sure, he frequents when he tells Carmel he is out collecting.

I have deliberately left out any stories about Mick's many running achievements. I will leave that to others in the club. I am trying to give you an insight into the man himself. If you look beyond the joker and get past the mask, the evening primrose oil, beetroot juice, and anti-wrinkle balm, you will find the real Mick Edge! A truly sick individual who is so 'in touch' with his feminine side he was once arrested for it. Here we have a man with an un-natural interest in shop window lingerie mannequins and American tan tights!!! Here is a man who, after years of abuse and being let down by 'the system', is just crying out for help. When you next see Mick just give him a hug X because, despite the helmet, crayons and orthopedic shoes, he is my mate and deserves recognition. Be strong my affected friend - I am here for you,

Written by: Graham V.

Submitted: 14^th May 2011

Tribute to Mick Edge & Carmel Sullivan

Where do you start? Perhaps, it should be "Tribute to Captain Jack & Ginge"!

I can think of lots of nice things to say about Ginge, I am however finding it difficult to think of anything nice to say about Captain Jack. How Carmel puts up with Mick, only she knows!

The first thing that you notice about Carmel, (Ginge) is her head of BIG, long, curly, ginger hair. I'm sure that she wouldn't miss some of it, to make Mick a toupee to cover that rapidly increasing lump of skin on his head!

Mick & Carmel have been members of Wesham Road Runners for four or five years now. Mick, being a shy retiring sort of person has found it difficult to fit in with other members of the Club, and as such he has become a bit of a recluse. Carmel is the opposite being a happy outgoing person, this has obviously enabled her to become one of the most popular club members.

We can only hope that it won't be long before Mick comes out of his shell. The only advice I can offer in this respect, is that the sooner he visits a psychologist to sort out your head, the better.

That's the tongue in cheek stuff out of the way. Now to the serious bit.

When Mick & Carmel joined Wesham Road Runners, they quickly established themselves as very popular, refreshing additions to our group. Both parties have benefitted the Club, because there is never a dull moment whilst Mick is around. Mick & Carmel have benefitted, because you only need to look at their race times, to see what they have gained.

I'm sure that I speak for everyone, when I say thank you Captain Jack & Ginge for selecting Wesham Road Runners, when choosing which Club to join, your presence has enhanced an already great Club.

Written by: John Whiteman

Submitted: 16^th May 2011

Friendship

I remember when Mick and Carmel first came down to the club it was the only time I’ve ever seen Mick quiet and pretending to be a shy person! It didn’t take long before they introduced themselves to most members in the club and became involved with races and club activities. Mick and Carmel are truly great friends. Not only is Carmel a brilliant runner but her photographic talents have a unique quality and style!!!! I look forward to the exhibition Carmel. Mick continues to send me jokes on a daily basis; some of them that I don’t understand but make me smile anyway. I love that Mick gives so much thought into buying his friends really crap birthday presents from the ‘Pound shop’. It gives him so much delight and makes the return gesture equally more delightful. Mick is equally a good runner and very supportive to Carmel and all his friends in the club. It is a sheer pleasure to know you both even if you won’t let me buy a hat!

Written by: Dette Dickinson

Submitted: 24^th May 2011

TRIBUTE TO MICK EDGE

One of the benefits of working at BNFL is that you can attend Dr Edge's daily medical school. It's a visiting service, and coincides with Dr Edge’s review of cake and biscuit availability around the desks in the office. All ailments are catered for, but his specialty is running injuries. We have a daily review of aches and pains and Dr Edge prescribes the treatment, usually in the form of stretching and muscle building, but can also include the consumption of some strange red juice. I think he calls it ‘beetroot’, but I suspect there are other hidden ingredients to enhance performance - although they are not working on Darren and myself.

Another strange treatment is the wearing of a children's plastic wrist band - we are told that wearing the band will knock 5 mins off your 10k time - that one doesn't seem to be working either. Anyway, the stretching is the main treatment, "stand up straight, up, down, keep your knee in, keep your leg straight, toes in, ankles up, your not doing it right" - the instructions keep coming - " your too fat", "your too thin", No, I don't think we've had that one.

But we do both appreciate the advice, and maybe if we both followed it a bit more often we might stay a bit more injury free - so keep the visits coming.

We do hope you are also looking after your beloved Carmel. Another one suffering from injury. So make sure you get her back to full speed quickly, and we'll see you at the next medical school visit.

Written by: Nigel Shepherd and Darren Morris

Submitted: 11^th June 2011

TRIBUTE TO MICK EDGE

What an honour it is to have an elite runner of Mick Edge's ability at the club. Ah, yes! I kid thee not! It is a well kept secret that Mick - real name Phil Myez - was an international runner in the eighties.  For those who are unaware, Mick was once at the pinnacle at his sport for over 15 years. Five years ago he decided to return to running after officially retiring from the international scene in some controversy in 1992.

It was in his youth that Mick found he had a talent for running after effing and blinding at some bigger boys when he was just 8 years old and legging it when they told him they were going to rip his head off. It was initially thought to be a mild case of tourettes, but this has never been proven. This peculiar form of speedwork was used almost daily by Mick and by the time he was a teenager he could abuse anyone and never be caught. Fortunately he caught the eye of his PE teacher, Moe Lester. Moe saw the potential in Mick, and channeled his strength in proper training, track work, cross country and inter school competitions.

It soon emerged that Mick was almost unraceable, beating his opponents easily, normally within the first few hundred metres. Mick ran for Lancashire from 1978, winning all the county competitions from June 1979 to Feb 1982. He was regularly running 120 miles a week, and competing at least once a week. He gained his first England cap in 1980, and went on to win the English championship 5k and 10k (finishing in 13:49 and 27:46 respectively).

There was no stopping Mick, nicknamed ‘the two edged sword’, as he chopped his opponents down before the race had started verbally and then chopped them down again mentally as soon as the race started. Incidentally, he still uses this tactic today, using sly comments to distract his opponents. He ran in the Olympics in 1984, 1988 and 1992, his best position being 4th in the 1988 10,000m in a time of 28:42 (and just 2 seconds behind the German Runner Boyd Schitd). Mick retired in shame after the Barcelona Olympics after dropping out of the 5,000m after 6 laps due to needing a "natural break" after sipping too much pre match water. Many thought Paula Radcliffe’s natural break in the London marathon was a first, but Mick had been there, done that and washed the T-shirt over a decade before. Only Mick stopped off at the sandpit used for the long jump (To be fair though it was between jumps).

"Sandgate", as it was known, forced Mick in to early retirement, and for over a decade he rarely ran.  Mick decided to make a reappearance as a club runner five years ago and his now a much loved member of Wesham Road Runners. But just like Clarke Kent, he makes sure he never runs too fast in case anyone discovers his illustrious past which Mick finds it very hard to talk about, (never ever discuss it him). To this end he lets the misses beat him occasionally (er, on the road) just so no one suspects him of his secret past as an Olympic runner.

Written by; Steve Myerscough

Submitted: 16^th June 2011

TRIBUTE TO MICK & CARMEL

I first started to get to know Mick and Carmel properly in 2009. Carmel was injured at the time and she’d given me her number for a trail race in Keswick. We went for a drink afterwards and then that was that, I’d gained two new best friends!

Now where do I start with my tribute? With Carmel I think. It’s very easy to say nice things about Carmel. She has to be the easiest going person I know; funny and refreshingly uncomplicated. She is never grumpy, she never complains, there is no edge to her, what you see is what you get. She never fusses but she listens and she cares. She is always friendly and doesn’t have a nasty or selfish bone in her body. She is just simply a great person to be around. To use one of her words, she’s ‘ace’.

Mick on the other hand is seriously disturbed. I mean, how many men do you know that:

(a) Have a fetish for shop dummies and wood burning logs.

(b) Send you photos of themselves in the bath with a face pack on and rose petals floating in the water.

(c) Text you at work to advise you on the nature of their bowel movements that morning (scored out of 10),

(d) Wear padded boxer shorts AND bring it to your attention that they are?

Most of you reading this article will appreciate that this is just a small selection of examples from the weird and wonderful world of Mick Edge. You can’t fail to like Mick though – not many people can do and say the outrageous things that Mick does and get away with it.

As a couple they are great together, they bounce off each other – a true double act. Mick’s quite shy really away from people he knows. Carmel gives him the confidence to be his nut-job self – he is much quieter when Carmel isn’t around. My life is all the better for having Mick and Carmel in it. They are true friends and I can’t thank them enough for the support they have given me over the past two years, not to mention the laughs. It is impossible to be down when they are around – on many occasions just spending a short while in their company has turned a bad day into a good one.

Mick and Carmel have both been plagued by injuries and other personal difficulties this year, yet you never hear them moan. I hope that they are both back in action soon because things just aren’t the same without them around.

Lots of love to you both,

Sarah xxxx

TRIBUTE TO MICK & CARMEL

Although both Mick and Carmel are competitive like me, they are also great sports to race against and over the last few years I have found myself in friendly rivalry with them both. Mick has a habit of making a play at the start of a race by pointing to his back and saying “That's what you'll be seeing Goorney”. So I always take great pleasure when I beat him!

I also enjoy seeing their photos capturing the race atmosphere at events that they have been to both here and abroad. Unfortunately Mick, nothing beats that great photo that Carmel took at the end of the Caldervale10.

Written by: Joanna Goorney

TRIBUTE TO MICK & CARMEL

They are the perfect double act. Both are talented runners who have been recently blighted with injuries and they never moan! They are caring and generous friends to everyone and will do anything for anybody. They also live their lives to the full and have taken running and Wesham R.R around the world!

Carmel loves singing to meatloaf and is a flamed hairs stunner. Mick is a water baby spending time/hours in the bath with his rubber duck and face packs – trying to be a stunner! (Keep trying Mick!).

Even when they are injured they will help out marshaling and with club activities and they always have smiles on their faces. (Mick usually because he is up to something with his boyish pranks and cheeky comments that no-one else I know can get away with!)

Carmel must have achieved one of the quickest women’s marathon times in recent years with her London run in 2010. An achievement not to be sniffed at and is a great inspiration in her distance running. Mick prefers the shorter stuff because it hurts less!

I could go on forever but, without buttering the pair up too much, they are made of the “stuff” a club needs and thrives off and I am grateful that they are my friends.

PS. Mick, when are you going to pop the question?

Written by: Michaela Dempsey

Submitted: 23^rd June 2011