Paula Radcliffe confirms her ‘brave’ father Peter who taught her to run aged seven to beat asthma has died in hospital as she thanks NHS staff who looked after him
- Peter Radcliffe has died in Salisbury General Hospital, Paula has confirmed
- The former runner said he was ‘the kindest, wisest, most patient and brave man’
- Peter inspired Paula to take up running as a child to help with her asthma
- He was heavily involved in the sport and became chairman of England Athletics
Paula Radcliffe has revealed today her father Peter died in hospital on Wednesday.
The marathon runner posted a touching tribute on Instagram and thanked the NHS staff who looked after him in the intensive care unit of Salisbury Hospital.
Peter, a keen marathon runner himself, encouraged Paula to take up running when she was seven to help her deal with her asthma.
It is not yet clear if he died from coronavirus but last week she shared her appreciation for health workers in Salisbury fighting the pandemic.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Paula, 46, shared a series of photographs of her and her father and praised the ‘kindest, wisest, most patient and brave man’.
Paula Radcliffe has revealed her father Peter has died in hospital and has posted a touching tribute to the nurses who cared for him
The former Marathon runner and world record holder said her father was ‘the kindest, wisest, most patient and brave man’
Paula, 46, said today, alongside a series of photos with her father and her mother Pat: ‘Yesterday I lost the best dad anyone could ever wish for.
‘The kindest, wisest, most patient and brave man who leaves behind so many people who loved him so much and whose lives he enriched. He and my mum gave us everything we ever needed and so much fun and love.
‘He was always there for me and the guidance and outlook on life he gave me will ensure he is forever with me.
‘Everyone who knew him was better off for it. Thank you Dad, you will always be in our hearts and thoughts. Love you forever.
Peter passed away in Salisbury Hospital on Wednesday but it is not yet known how he died
She also told her 27,000 Instagram followers: ‘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. And to all those selflessly working so hard to save lives everywhere.’
Last week, Paula posted a tweet about her joining in on the NHS Clap for our Carers.
She said: ‘Clapping with huge appreciation for the NHS and an especially big round of applause and thanks for all of those looking after my dad in Salisbury District General Hospital.’
Radcliffe’s father was a keen marathon runner as a young man and encouraged Paula to take up the sport when she was seven.
She struggled with asthma and he thought running would be good for her breathing.
Last week, Paula offered praise to the NHS workers in Salisbury Hospital and across the country during these testing times
She started by joining her father’s jogs in the woods and this later turned into a passion for the future world record holder.
Her first experience of the London Marathon, which she would go on to win three times, was when she cheered on Peter when he was competing.
She went on to join Bedford & County Athletics Club where Peter became vice-chairman and her mother Pat, a fun-runner, managed the women’s cross-country team.
At the age of 10, Peter took Paula to watch the London Marathon where they saw Ingrid Kristiansen, which inspired the youngster to become a professional athlete.
Peter later became the inaugural chairman of England Athletics, while Paula would go on to break the women’s world record and win a host of medals.
Friends and colleagues have been sharing tributes online to Peter.
Geoff Wightman, an athletics coach and consultant, shared the touching anecdote: ‘If you were looking to become a world record holder in the marathon and needed to pick a dad who would support, encourage and develop your career, Peter was the right man for that job.
‘When Paula finished 221st in a national age group cross country championships her father’s first words were “Well done. You were almost inside the top 200”.’