Man dies watching granddaughter compete at athletics meeting

A YOUNG athlete looked on in horror after her grandfather died after a heart attack following a top event.

Terry Lister collapsed after watching Rotherham Harrier Maisie Elliott finish the under-13s girls’ race at Saturday’s big Yorkshire Cross Country Championships at Doncaster’s Northern Racing College.

Attempts to revive him by paramedics at the course failed and he was pronounced dead on arrival at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Rotherham Harriers secretary Steve Gaines was among those paying tribute to Terry this week.

“He was a big supporter of Maisie,” Mr Gaines said.

“He saw her finish the race and then complained of being unwell.

“He walked back to the club tent and then collapsed in front of Maisie and her parents.

“There were strenuous attempts to revive him, including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance being called, but they were to no avail.”

Maisie, a pupil at Winterhill School, was at the event with Terry and her parents Kevin and Suzanne.

Mr Gaines dded: “I would like to pay a tribute to Terry, and to pass on our sympathy and condolences to Maisie, her parents, and to Terry’s wife Wynn.

“Terry was a sports fan and a huge supporter of Maisie.

“He was present at most training nights and competitions, encouraging Maisie, of whom he was rightfully very proud.

“He was out on the course shouting encouragement to Maisie and the athletes as usual and he was at the finish to see Maisie finish 12th in only her second county cross country championships.

“I would like to also pay tribute to the first aid team on site, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and the two doctors and two nurse spectators who helped with treatment until paramedics arrived.

“Terry was a huge fan of athletics and a great supporter of his grand daughter Maisie, and he will be much missed by all at our club.”

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