THE local athletics community has suffered a heartbreaking loss with the passing of Kate Longhurst, aged 64.

Kate, president of Hampshire Athletics in 2015/16, had been involved in the sport since her children, Paul, a pole vaulter, and Tash, a middle distance runner, were primary school age and joined the old Southampton City AC.

She and husband Rod became familiar faces at track and field events all over Hampshire and beyond with Kate taking on a variety of roles, including club treasurer and team manager, and Rod becoming a field official. Kate also managed Hampshire's men's teams, selecting for inter-county matches.

In tribute to Kate, Southampton Athletic Club wrote: “It is with deep regret that the club learned of the death of Kate Longhurst.

“Kate’s huge contribution to the club was recognised through her life membership and, without her help and support, many young athletes simply would not have got to the start line, runway, circle or cage.

“When Paul retired from competing he became a successful pole vault coach and, with Kate’s help, began his own pole vaulting group initially made up of children from The Gregg School, including Peter Humby and brother Rich, who won the British U17 pole vault championships and is now a very successful coach in his own right.

“Kate continued to support the club's athletes, often to be found at competitions next to her beloved vaulting bed, and in recent years became a stalwart of both county schools and county athletics, becoming president of Hampshire Athletics and acting as team manager right up to her sudden death.

"All our thoughts at the club are with Kate’s husband Rod and the rest of the family”

Bitterne-based Kate, a devoted grandmother of four, was also a much-loved staff member at The Gregg School, Southampton, where she had worked since May 1987, starting out as lab technician and more recently adding the role of examinations officer.

Sheri Sellers, headteacher at The Gregg, said: “Kate was a super-keen supporter of athletics in Southampton and Hampshire. Her style was very much 'behind the scenes' so she was thrilled to be recognised as president of Hampshire Athletics in 2015.

"Alongside her son Paul, Kate developed a very keen and successful group of pole vaulters here at The Gregg. When she wasn't in the labs or her exams office she would often be found pouring over athletics score sheets or out on the field!

"Kate was a much loved member of staff and we shall miss her terribly. It was a difficult moment in school as she touched so many lives in the job that she did, particularly with our young athletes who were always very encouraged by her spirit."

A statement from Hampshire Athletics added: "We send our sympathy and condolences to Rod and the rest of Kate's family, to her colleagues at The Gregg School, Southampton, and to her friends at Southampton A.C. and throughout athletics."

Kate’s funeral will take place at the Wessex Vale Crematorium in Bubb Lane, Hedge End, SO30 2HL on Monday, August 8 at 1pm and afterwards at The Gregg. All are welcome.