Our Club has organised races based at the Bridge Inn, Shortwood, since 1992. Throughout that time, the landlord Bob Todd, has given us complete support. All of us who have taken part in these races as organisers or runners have been shocked by the news that Bob died after being struck by a car in Pucklechurch in the early hours of Saturday 6 August. He was allegedly run down after he confronted a gang of teenagers who had attacked some youngsters. An 18-year-old was charged with murder the following day.
Bob's widow, Diane, said, "Bob was very much the heart and soul of the village". She has been "overwhelmed" by the support she had received from the residents in the close-knit village. "They've been very kind. We've had literally hundreds of messages of support. It's wonderful, but I knew that would happen because they all loved Bob so much."
Bob was a keen charity fund-raiser for local causes. His support for our Club was an example of this and we have all worked together to give the races a strong community flavour. I talked with Bob most races; he liked to take in the scene as the runners left for the race and returned from it. He was very easy to get along with and helped us behind the scenes in ways which are not generally known. I will miss him but our thoughts must be for those close to him. We send our heart-felt sympathy to Diane and her family.
Mike Adams, Club and Race Secretary.
