Terry,
It was an absolute pleasure to have been part of your life for 14 years & we in the Sturman house are so saddened to have lost such a good friend. I don't think I've known a nicer more positive happy man in my life. You have been nothing but kind to us & always made James smile & giggle.
My thoughts & love are with all of your family. You will be missed by everyone who knew & loved you & never forgotten. Rest in peace Terry xxxx

You will indeed be HUGELY missed at the club, and in our lives after having been part of it for so long.
I will remember our times together with great fondness.
Our hearts and thoughts go out to your family at this tough time.
x x

What am amazing man, a true inspiration!!
Terry, you touched so many lives in a way that will never be forgotten. We all miss you so much. Love you xxxx

Terry, thank you for all the help and advice you have given me, and for making me feel so welcome at my first Harriers meeting. Your are an absolute legend and inspiration to so may people. Im thankful I got to meet you. Gone, but never be forgotten. RIP. Will.

Terry
The only thing I can say is thanks. Thanks for being such an inspiration to me for the last 25 years. Thanks to you and your family for being there for me during the good times and the bad. Thanks for helping so many people fulfill their dreams through running. Thanks for leading our great club in such a dignified manner. Thanks for making me smile every time I seen you. Most of all thanks for being Terry. Miss you and love you. Lee x

Terry, I only had the pleasure of knowing you for a short while, but in that time you were always encouraging, supportive and so passionate about running and the club.
Everyone has said it a thousand times, but it really is true - you are a genuine inspiration to so many people and you will be sorely missed. I am proud to have known such a lovely man.
My heart goes out to your family and friends at this difficult time. x

An inspiration, a gent and a proper good bloke. It's an honour and privelidge to have known you Terry and and an honour to have run alongside a legend.

Very very sad a lovely man and a hell of an athlete Terry will be sadly missed at all North East events and sadly missed personaly by all of us that had the honour to know him , my most sincere sympathies and condolencies go out to all of Terrys family .

totally devastated at the news 1 ov the best athletes around the north east a kind and carring man knew terry over 25 years will be sadly missed god love u terry

So very sad. He was an inspiration to us all and just a really nice bloke to know and be around. Derek and I are honoured and privileged to have known you. A true legend, you will never be forgotten.
RIP Terry.
Our thoughts and sincere sympathies go out to all of your family at this sad time.

So very sad to hear of the passing of Terry.As well as being a fine runner he was a really nice bloke,and to not have his cheery face at North East events will be a big miss.My condolences to all his family.

Dear Terry,

You are so sadly missed and dearly remembered as a truly great man and a friend who touched all our hearts and inspired us all. I will miss your great sense of humour, your passion and committment to making Wallsend the best running club to be in and, of course, your cheeky wit which always kept me going up those hills and through the mud. You will be remembered forever.

Caroline
x

I last spoke to Terry in Glasgow at the Vets International on November 2011. He was an amazing athlete and excelled that day to be the 2nd fastest V70 in the UK and Ireland. Athletics has lost a legend.

I am saddened by the shocking news that a beaming light from North East Athletics is now no longer. In a world that is full of pressure and stress, Terry made running fun. Not only did he welcome newcomers to the club with his great sense of humor but he worked tirelessly behind the scenes in some difficult circumstances to make the Club a great place to be while at home dedicating his life to his family. While his England appointment was the pinnacle of his athletics career his following and achievements off the track are a testament to the depth of kindness and generosity he held in such abundance. He denies us of solitude without affording us company.
My thoughts are with you, your family and your many many friends. xx

I unfortunately only knew Terry for a short time. But for me the following sums him up.

During this year's GNR he quite literally took me under his wing at the start of the run. Even though a good time for him meant he would qualify to represent England he still stayed with me encouraging and coaching me along the way, showing his remarkable commtiment to supporting and improving fellow runners. As I slowed and he started to move through the crowds I felt privilleged and honoured to have ran alongside him that day. When I thanked him afterwards for pushing me on he dismissed what he had done and said it was all my hard work. Terry spent the whole afternoon asking other runners their time and congratulating them on it, he was so humble in receiving praise for his own fantastic time, which was a truly phenomenal.

Terry - Thank you again for that day and I have no doubts that you will continue to inspire myself and many, many others to more PB's in the future. You will be missed dearly.

My thoughts are with your family.

In the short time I have known Terry. I noticed the effection which people had for him was similar to that of Stan Long and the effection his athletes had for him.As much a father figure than a club chairman. Will be a massive miss.Will always be an inspiration to everyone though and one of the main reasons why runners will always be runners and keep coming back to clubs like wallsend for more.
My thoughts are with you and your family terry

Your kindness and passion have had an enormous effect on
my life and my familys, for that i cant thank you enough.
The impact you have had on so many people is testament to the great man you will always be remembered as.
We will all miss you very much.

sorry to hear sad news.terry was a top guy always smiling and happy to help.made me feel very welcome when i came to club.my heart goes out to all terrys family.sleep tight x

One of the great things about our sport is that you can form so many friendships with people who on paper are your rivals. That was easy to do with Terry - always positive, always encouraging and a great guy to have around.That he will be badly missed at Wallsend is only too evident from the tributes that I've read. He will also be missed by so many others in the North East and further afield.
Condolences to Norma, Sog and Donna from Terry's many friends at Morpeth Harriers

Terry was a truly fantastic bloke and I will miss his cheek, his lovely coffee and cheeky smile at the end of a muddy cross country run and his inspiration and encouragement which could make you think you were better than Paula Radcliffe. I feel sorry for those angels now though 'cos there is no doubt he will have them doing hill repeats! Love and Prayers to the O'Gara family

I am so sorry to hear this and my thoughts are with Terry's family and the club where I know he will be sorely missed.
Even though I've only run with the club for a few sessions, it didn't take more than a few seconds in Terry's company to know he was something special. That he gave so much time and support to help develop such a wonderful club is a lasting tribute to him.
My thoughts and best wishes are with you you all.

Tuesday night at Wallsend Harriers !! - Now THAT is why Wallsend Harriers are so unique and so so special, You all did Terry proud.

Terry you had hundreds of friends and i stand proud to say i was one of them R.I.P. mate and thanks for everything. sadly missed Barry

I really don't think words are enough for us all to describe how much we all adored you Terry, with your cracking sense of humour, your caring nature and your ability to inspire, I really do feel privileged to have ran with your this past few years. 
We have had some fantastic times as a group and as a club and I really will cherish every memory I have, even the ones where you are moaning about women taking over the club! From those slippery winter nights through Wallsend moaning about the cold to those lovely summer nights running around the rising sun, I will never forget how you made each and everyone of us feel welcomed and part of an ever growing Wallsend family.
Wherever you are now I know you will be running and wherever we run now Terry you will be running with us, in our hearts,
You are a legend, our legend and thank you for everything ,
Lots of love,
Sarah xxxx

On behalf of my family who have known Terry and his family for over 20 years I write at this sad time, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and everyone struggling at this very sad time. Terry was a true gentleman and an absolute legend. God only takes the best. RIP XX

Where do u start with Terry O Gara? His passion for running of course!!!! Up until I joined the harriers I had done all my training for runs by myself. I didn't think many people trained in clubs like Wallsend to further their ambitions. (At least at my level anyway) Boy was I wrong!!! From the first session I could feel this togetherness and passion to better yourself. This I came to realise was the Wallsend spirit. This is what terry bring to the group every single week. He epitomised the whole attitude of the club and gave me the running bug I thought I would never have. Together with his sharp humour it made running actually enjoyable. It was a pleasure and honour to have known him. My deepest sympathies to his family.

After over 30 years of running and racing I can't think of many races that I've run without seeing Terry and Steven there, either running or watching. Even with the North Shields, Wallsend rivaly they always gave whole hearted support. This support has always meant a lot to me and always gave me a lift when the race was getting tough.

It was a great honour for me to see Terry at the Masters home nations cross country last year, seeing how nervous he was the morning of the race really touched me and watching him race that day gave me great inspiration.

One of the greatest and most moving things that I have ever seen was Terry finishing the Home nations xc. Terry came into the finishing straight with Steven sprinting along side him stride by stride screaming his Dad on.

Terry had the race of his life that day and his family and friends were there to see and it was my great privilage to also witness it.

Terry loved, coached, encouraged and inspired many people and I feel honoured to have known him, my greatest and deepest sympathy to all his family.

Iain Twaddle

Since not long joining Wallsend Harriers the first person I met was Terry. His jolly happy smile made me feel at ease immediately. What an amazing man, truly one of a kind. My thoughts and wishes are with his family and close friends at this difficult time. x

Very sad news. Terry gave me a passion for running that I thought I would never have. He allways had a kind and inspirational word. he will be sadly missed by everyone whos life he was part off. RIP Terry.

My very best wishes to all of Terry's family.
Terry is a huge loss for North East athletics and will be saddly missed by us all.

R.I.P TERRY

I did not know Terry personally, but have raced against him many times. He was indeed inspirational and after reading all the wonderful tributes to him I can see that he was well loved by all.
Sincerest condolences to all his family at this sad time

I first met Terry as a 12 year old at a race meeting in Carlisle in about 1985 when I noticed that he was the only one that could make a very loud teenage Sog keep quiet. I knew then that this was somebody I liked a lot. From his “Two Minutes Lads” in the Burnside changing rooms that sent you out onto the roads with a spring in your step if you were mentioned, to his unwavering support in races whatever the weather and whatever the time of day, he was a true harrier, and a true gent. Each of the many memories I have of him is a good one. He will be missed immensely.

Someone asked a few weeks back what is so great about being a Wallsend Harrier and I think Tuesday night summed up our club. We were all together to pay tribute to one of the great men of running, Terry inspired and motivated us all and was always on hand to offer advice. Terry you're beaming smile and sharp wit will be sadly missed by us all at Wallsend Harriers. R.I.P. Terry.

It was great having spent time running with and sometimes sharing a pint with Terry, one of the toughest yet nicest men I have met. I always had great admiration for him.

I can't say how shocked & saddened i am after hearing the terrible news.
I first met Terry along with Steven & Kerry some 30 years ago when i first joined Wallsend as a teenager, Terry was genuinely one of the nicest warmest guys i've ever had the privlege to know, with his great sense of fun & his selfless support he seemed to have for everyone, he made me feel as if i was trying to do my best for him alot of the time !!
He will leave a huge whole in North East athletics & especially everyone involved in WHAC but i'm sure he will continually inspire people to do their best in the future.
All my thoughts are with Terry's family......God bless.

It doesn't seem two minutes since I was ringing Terry to congratulate him on his race in Glasgow.What a magnificent performance! I told him he was an inspiration to myself and many other runners but he quickly changed the subject and wanted to know how I was, what training i was doing and what races I was planning to do.
Terry and myself go back many years. He has always supported me and given me encouragement whether or not I was wearing the green and gold of Wallsend Harriers.On both the occasions I left the club, he said I would always be welcomed back and I believed him. We are all part of the Running Family and in many ways I still feel part of the Wallsend Harriers Family.That is largely down to Terry.
At this sad time, Terry will continue to have a positive influence on my running.Thank you Terry.
Love to Norma, SOG, Donna, Kerry, Paul and all Terry's Grandchildren.

Paul

The North East has lost a legend.

At the moment we are shocked and hurt, but beneath that pain we all have an inner warmth from the joyous memories Terry leaves us with.

From the first time I arrived at Wallsend and was greeted with "So you work for Greggs, well you can't be as slow as Emma" he had me wondering who the hell was this man who looked like Albert Steptoe but could run like the wind?

I remember the time about four years ago where he caught me after about six miles of the Jelly race at Tynedale but deliberately then held back thirty yards or so to execute his surprise attack on the hill in the last mile. His plan was impeccable even to the point that thirty yards back meant that the unmistakeable machine gun pitter patter of his running stride was inaudible. However what he had forgotten was how everybody in Northumberland knew and loved him. As we passed every small hamlet or farm steading in Tynedale, the locals (much to his annoyance) would keep me aware of his presence by a constant stream of "Haway Terry" or "Come on Tog."

Terry's achievements at both the GNR and in Glasgow in recent months were nothing less than sensational and I'll never forget the glow of satisfaction when he masterminded the Harrier League success a couple of years ago.

As I shared some lovely moments on the slow walk back from the finish line to the baggage bus at this year's GNR, our conversation was suddenly interupted by an exchange volley of good natured abuse between Terry and a Policeman. I immediately assumed that the Policeman must be either a family member or at the least an ex Wallsend runner due to the nature of the 'conversation'. However Terry didn't have a clue who he was - This summed him up because everybody just knew that he was warm, friendly and engaging.

The thought we'll never see him again at a Harrier League does not mean that as we run in the years to come, we won't still hear that machine-gun pitter patter of his stride pattern nor his cheeky words of encouragement.

My thoughts are with Norma, Steve & Donna, Paul and Kerry at this dreadful time.

Terry will be remembered and loved by many for generations to come.

terry
he was an amazing man. when i went down to a track on a friday night when i was 9 or 10 terry was there and made it so much fun for me. we would have a good laugh about me and him trying to beat each other but terry would always have a good laugh with everyone because he he was like that, happy, funny and always opptomistic. his life time achivements have been spectacular and having your last race running for england. well its a great last race. he an insperation to me and i think to most of wallsend harriers and north east running clubs. terry you will always be missed and never, ever forgoten

Terry will be greatly missed and long-remembered by his many friends in the north-east athletics community. He had a real gift for inspiring others, and over the years he has encouraged a huge number of people into our great health-giving sport, and then to fulfill themselves as athletes.

As a truly exceptional athlete, it is fitting that Terry recently gained international honours. My deepest sympathies to the O'Gara family.

Terry

From the 1st day i met you you were my inspiration you will be a legend all of my life i will always do my very best in a race and i will be thinking of our great nights out i wish wallsend harriers all the best and my deepest thoughts are with terrys family

I have been so out of touch with WHAC over the past 18 months, only to wish Terry a ''Happy New Year'' at the annual Jan 1st Handicap - as ever Terry was as witty and comical as we marshalled on the Benfield Rd turn
I'd been training from that day on doing steady 2,3,4 mile slogs inspired by my coach 'tog'
Oblivious to the news I passed the Harriers working out at the top of Station Road as I went for my weekly Thursday Chronicle and Fish Supper.......devastation as I turned to my regular look at the Harriers page (Bill Mc Guirk) and read the sad news of Terry's passing, I'll miss you Terry as I was relying on you to help me through my re-hab and goal to run this years G.N.R. how selfish that seems? however we all know how much you inspired us to push that extra mile,that extra breath when you were completely knackered!
Terry you will live for ever in my memory along with our favourite Green&Gold Vest, I will miss you tons, your banter,humour,wit and above all else your ability as an athlete.
It has been a privilage to know you and my thoughts and condolences go out to all of the family,

God Bless Terry, love & miss you loads xx

Well, well, well … where to start. Terry, you’re just an inspiration – if we could bottle your spirit we’d all be millionaires … but actually I don’t think we would – it’d spoil your unique ‘Terry-ness’.
Like so many others I remember the first time I met you and it goes something like this. I’d been training with the club for a bit and was at Steve and Donnas, can’t remember why now, Steve was probably trying to convince me not to run London for the 35th time and you and Norma were there too. We’d barely spoke and you just said “well, you gonna sign this form then?” or words to that effect, and that was my invitation to join Wallsend. I never felt any pressure to and I thoroughly appreciated that but of course I was never gonna say no. Form signed – you wouldn’t even take the £30 off me! And that was that. Thank you for welcoming me on board.
Long may we continue to keep your spirit alive with good humour and humility. Love to all the family, you’re a priceless bunch x

Sir Terry Ogara= LEGEND OF A MAN!!!!
The reason I joined wallsend was because Terry made me sign the form after one session with him. Iam so glad I did now because I feel PRIVILEGED and HONOURED to say I trained and raced with him and above all just to have known him. Terry, i have even been roped into wearing short shorts in your race. I won't pull them off like u did, but u did try your best to make me wear them and I no u will have a good laugh at it.
Love Lee (RBLK) xxxxxxxx

I had the privelage of knowing Terry from when he was dragged along to the club by Sog in the very early eighties.

He didnt have a bad bone in his body or a bad word to say about anyone, he would simply drive to get the best out of you. It didnt matter whether you were fast or slow he had the same respect, you were a runner and in the green and gold.

Even if you left the club he would still speak and ask how were were doing, and WHEN are you coming back.

I would often see the guys out running whilst out on my bike and the first voice you would hear would be Terry's, 'Colin when you getting off that bike and back running'.

What will stay will be his legacy and his passion for the club, I'm sure Sog will do his utmost to keep this going.

Terry will be running in the star's with his mates Gordon Smith, 'Big' Bill Fellows, Jimmy Wilky and the other guys who are sadly no longer with us.

If the comments by so many dont inspire you to get your trainers back on nothing will.

I get a warm feeling that there will be a packed church next Tuesday morning and a shortage of Daffodils in the North East.

My thoughts are with Norma, Sog, Kerri & Paul and the grand children.

Colin Atkinson

Not a runner myself, but have done the North Tyneside 10 easter sunday for the past 2 years, always seen Terry, Was not going to do it this years, but since hearing the sad news, have decided to run it in memory of Terry, bless you, an inspiration to all God Bless

Terry, your proud and loving family, your undoubted talent, love for running, and your club, Wallsend Harriers allowed you to fuel what was obviously one of your greatest passion of all, people. That is what made you so exceptional, so inspirational and so well loved. Ultimately, you showed us all how to be an elite athlete at the toughest sport of all, life itself.
Thanks for everything you gave us Terry, I'm going to miss you but I know you'll be there with us on the start line of our next run mate.

Our sincere symapthies to Kerry, Norma and all the family. When we were first encouraged to go for a training run with the Harriers, it was Terry who waited in the freezing cold car park to meet and welcome us. We knew him for a short time but he was a good and decent man who quickly became an inspiration to us both. Thanks to Terry running became a part of us. Half a world away from Wallsend we completed our first marathon last weekend, and it was Terry who pushed us through that last few km's. Thanks Terry. Rest peacefully.

A true gent and a fantastic neighbour you will be deeply missed by all who new you our thoughts and wishes go out to Norma and the family. X

Terry, like so many old friends who have said before me, the words 'Inspiration, Legend, great bloke loved by all' can only add up to one person, Terry O'Gara.....A Wallsend Harrier Legend!!

Although like 'Mousey' and a few of the other lads who gave wonderful tributes, i was one of the nineties harriers who grew up with your kids SOG & Kerry during some fantastic years with the club. I attended your funeral yesterday, now that was Inspirational, Steven was quite magnificant and a credit to you, Norma, Kerry & Paul.

Do me a favour and say hello to 'Big Billy', Smithy, Jimmy and Decca Snr for me and keep your head down sunshine.

Rest In Peace Terry. Love and thoughts to all your family and friends at this very sad time.

Ivan Dixon & family xxxx

I did not know what to say yesterday, what great tribute to an amazing person. Terry may not be here but his inspiration is stronger than ever.

Although I have not been in contact with Terry for many years, due to moving down to Brighton, I have never forgotten the majic times we shared playing football for Wallsend Slipway, going to Butlins at Filey and just being good mates.

I was not awear that Terry was such a successful athlete and then later being a most important committee member, good for him. I would like to send my condolences to Terrys family and to tell them although I am supposed to be a hard man, due to my footballing days, I have shed many a tear since hearing the sad news.

Norman Gall