Local race organiser donated running shoes and kit to former Olympian and Commonwealth medallist Paula Dunn MBE

Photo: Steve Gifford

Paula Dunn MBE and local race organiser Andy O'Sullivan MBE

Dual Olympian sprinter and former Commonwealth gold medallist Paula Dunn MBE visited Rochdale to collect a large number of running shoes and training kit from Rochdale’s race organiser Andy O’Sullivan MBE on Tuesday (5 March).

Paula became an Olympian in 1988 running the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay in Seoul. A four-time Commonwealth medallist and a European bronze medallist, Paula now does great work with young athletes at Sale Harriers in inner city Manchester.

Funds for the brand-new trainers and tops were raised from ‘Ron Hill’s 80th Birthday 5K’ last year.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/122542/ron-hill-and-andy-osullivan-receive-lifetime-achievement-awards-at-final-birthday-run

Andy, who has organised more than 670 charity road, trail and fell races, said: “Paula is an inspiration: she achieved so much on the track and she is now inspiring youngsters to emulate her.”

Paula added: “The children will be delighted with the trainers and training tops.”

Since taking the post as the first female and BAME Para Athletics Head Coach in 2012, Paula has led the British team to their highest ever medal tallies in the modern era at the Paralympic Games in 2016, World Para Athletics Championships in London, and the WPA European Championships.

She was named on the 2019 honours list for her services to athletics in this role.

In 1991, Andy received the BEM for services to the police and charities, which was followed with an MBE for services to Athletics and Charities 13 years later in 2004. He even carried the Olympic torch in London that year, together with the most famous people in the UK.

These days, Andy is best known as ‘The Voice of Manchester Races’, commentating on races like the Great Manchester Run.