RIP Reverend Alan Bolding: Updated

Update: Alan's funeral will be held on 3rd September. Details

The club is sad to hear of the sudden passing of club member Alan Bolding at the age of 83.  Alan was a curate at St Paul's Church in Woodford Bridge and was also the Club Chaplain at West Ham United until 2022. (see West Ham's tribute to Alan)

Alan joined the club in 2005 as a veteran sprinter and trained with John Salisbury's sprint group.  He seemed to enjoy training more than competing, and he always supported his training group at races, including saying a prayer for them before they raced.

Alan was still training up to last week and was instantly recognisable in his light blue top emblazoned with the West Ham badge and the word "Rev".  He always popped into the clubhouse to socialise and chat with his friends.  Recently he was very pleased to have been given an old club vest so he could use the badge to sew onto one end of his chaplain's stole to go with the West Ham badge on the other.

In May Alan conducted the funeral service for Charlie Crump.

Our condolences go to Alan's wife Pauline and his family and friends. We will update this notice with his funeral details once they are known.