george gandy

Overwhelming support for the George Gandy Legacy Fund helping future Loughborough athletes

Today (8 October) marks one year since George Gandy passed away.

A photo of George Gandy's plaque with a rose next to it

George – who was the University’s Head Endurance Coach - was incredibly loved at the University, where he spent most of his working life devoted to sport at Loughborough.  

He coached more than eighty international athletes, which include major championship medallists such as Lord Sebastian Coe, Chris McGeorge, Paula Radcliffe, Jack Buckner and Lisa Dobriskey.  

George was passionate about supporting athletes from less fortunate backgrounds who didn’t meet national funding criteria and spent much of his time seeking support for such athletes to help them be the best they could be. 

So, in his memory, the George Gandy Legacy Fund was launched. Its purpose is to support athletes with things they might be financially limited by, such as buying equipment, travelling domestically and abroad, and receiving physiotherapy and medical treatments. It also hopes to assist coaches – many of whom give up a huge amount of their time despite often not being paid and working as volunteers - in their track and field athletics activities at Loughborough. 

The University is delighted to announce that the Fund has now raised over £50,000 thanks to the incredible generosity of many who knew and admired George. This included a significant contribution from the Sebastian Coe Charitable Foundation, with the founder being the University’s Chancellor.  

Shortly after George’s passing, Lord Sebastian Coe commented that “George was an exceptional person and a world-class coach.  For both I owe him inestimable gratitude. He has enhanced and, in many cases, changed the lives of so many young people including mine”. 

Photo of George Gandy and Seb Coe at awards

Image: (L-R): Lord Sebastian Coe, George Gandy, and Dr David Moorcroft OBE

In addition, John Gordon, a current Aeronautical PhD student and an athlete closely coached by George, recently raised over £800 for the cause after completing the Berlin Marathon on 26 September in a time of 2:30.44. 

Director of Philanthropy Rachel Third commented: “The outpouring of support for George’s Legacy Fund from his friends, athletes, colleagues and family has been overwhelming! Thank you to all who donated from our alumni, staff, student and wider community.  

“We are delighted that thanks to your gifts, this Fund at Loughborough has raised an incredible £50,000, which will benefit the next generation of athletes and coaches and create a fitting tribute to George’s memory.” 

To find out how you can support the George Gandy Legacy Fund, visit our website here.  

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