Maryse Ford receives Helen Perera Award

Helen Perera was a great long-distance runner and avid Cambridge Harriers. In her time Helen ran twelve marathons including Abingdon in 3:21.30 - her PB. Took part in the veterans track and field league matches and ran two Ultras; the second being the 56 mile London to Brighton She had set her heart on another Ultra in 2011. When Helen wasn’t running, she was on the side-lines cheering people on with her catchphrase “You’re all winners!”

Sadly, Helen Perera was diagnosed with cancer. She died in January 2011 aged just 46 but had proudly completed the New York Marathon two months earlier. Helen grew up in New Zealand and her family donated the Award to be given to long distance running women who are over 40 and have run through a difficult time to achieve a goal. The award is in the shape of a Koru, a significant shape in Māori culture representing new growth and strength.

This years recipient of thew award is Maryse Ford. Maryse is an ardent Cambridge Harrier who has been running in Christine Bond’s Thursday night Sutcliffe Sisters for around 18 years. Maryse did a fabulous job as cross-country team captain for around 10 years, competing herself a few times but her biggest asset was as team manager despite the weather and over the years she was team manager, the women’s cross team grew and won many team trophies.

The Award was given to Maryse for her achievement in running the Bath Half Marathon in March this year. Although going through some difficult times Maryse made an inspiring effort when she decided in January to train for the race miles previously her longest race had been 10k. Maryse found a plan and stuck to it, each week building her milage and with determination, building confidence and strength with each distance milestone, fellow CH joined her training runs, mainly Rupa Ganguli and Helen Jousselin and travelled to Bath to cheer Maryse on, a special lady, a special group she trains with and a very special award.

Congratulations Maryse, well earned, be proud.