Kirkstall Harriers past and present gathered to pay tribute to long-time member and club legend Carol Moran yesterday as friends and family attended her funeral service at Rawdon Crematorium.
And in true Carol style the congregation left the chapel listening to the song “Fire” by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown.
Carol was a long-standing member of the club, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, having been a member as well as an active committee member for 39 of those 40 years.
Current Chairman Chris Glover shared the sad news via the club’s Facebook page several weeks ago.
“I have to share the extremely sad news that our dear friend Carol Moran has passed away following a long battle with cancer.
“Carol was a dedicated member of the club for 39 years and a long term committee member. She was a dear friend to many of our members and will be sorely missed.
“Her kind, gentle and unselfish nature was an example to us all. Rest in peace Carol.”
Carol was born in Leeds and spent much of her adult life working as a dental receptionist. She had a great love of animals, particularly German Shepherds, being an active part of that community. She married her husband and soul mate Tony in 1988 and they enjoyed many club trips together, home and abroad.
Variously known as “camera dodging Carol”, for her expert ability to avoid a photo opportunity, or “Carol the bag lady”, for always having a very healthy supply of club kit for members in a bag in the back of her fabulous yellow Skoda, Carol was a much-loved member of the club, particularly supporting newer and slower members at training sessions, something which led many to be surprised when she showed a great turn of speed when required.
Current and former members spoke of how much they would miss her company and her passion for running, as well as how she welcomed new members.
Sam Ostermeyer said: “Carol welcomed me all those years ago when I signed up and was the go to kit lady – I still have my hoodie in the car. She was a lovely lady and a great club rep.”
Adam Moger, long-time member and committee member of the Harriers also spoke of how she welcomed people to the club as well as her sense of humour.
He said: “I wonder how many members she handed vests to over the years – 1,000? – and how many nervous first starters she stayed with on their first run.
“I’ll greatly miss her sense of humour, which was much more cheeky than that quiet demeanor suggested.”
Marion Muir spoke of Carol’s kindness. “My memory of Carol will be of a straight talking Yorkshire woman with a great sense of humour, driving a little yellow car, but above all – a really kind lady.”
Baldish Sandhu has been a Harrier for many years and was good friends with Carol throughout that time, competing in many team events together over the years.
“RIP Carol, you will be missed by everyone, especially me.”
Jill Stocks, former member and Secretary at Kirkstall Harriers, spoke of her sadness at hearing of her friends passing.
“Carol and I spent a lot of time together over the years. Mainly as she patiently waited for me limping along at the back of the pack. She was of course a lot faster than people thought. Just had a patience I’ve never come across before and never will again.
“Had some great chats on those runs and many other times. She was fabulous company. And a great support. Very funny. Very honest.
“Remember how she would tell me about her purchases from TK Maxx where she’d spend hours raking through the shelves. A patience I definitely don’t possess. Thank you Carol. You were fabulous.”
Donations in Carol’s memory can be made to Yorkshire Cancer Research.
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