Paula Radcliffe has announced the death of her father, Peter, who passed away in Salisbury Hospital on Wednesday. The marathon legend paid tribute to the 'kindest, wisest, most patient and brave man' in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Peter, a keen marathon runner himself, encouraged Paula to take up running at age seven to help manage her asthma. He later became vice-chairman of Bedford & County Athletics Club and the inaugural chairman of England Athletics.
Radcliffe expressed gratitude to NHS staff who cared for her father, saying: 'Heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the wonderful doctors and nurses of Radnor ward Salisbury District hospital who cared for him with such warmth and compassion.'
It is not yet known if Peter died from coronavirus, but last week Radcliffe had praised health workers fighting the pandemic. Friends and colleagues have shared tributes, with athletics coach Geoff Wightman recalling Peter's supportive words after Paula finished 221st in a national cross country event.
