Celia Brackenridge has died at her home after a long illness.
It is the news we (my wife Sue and I) have been dreading for some time. Now it is here we are at a loss. Sue has known Celia since the 1960s.
I am one of her late 1970s friends.
I have been wondering how to celebrate a life that has touched so many people in so many different fields.
For now, I am going to remember a cello playing lacrosse player who brought music to the lives of those she touched.
I was fortunate to say this in person to Celia when we met for our last time.
I imagine there are people all over the world, like Sue and myself, who are lamenting the loss of a most wonderful friend.
Today, we have found ourselves smiling as well to celebrate a special life. This comment from The Guardian broadened our smiles for and about our friend.
By nature a rebel, Celia would challenge authority, whether at local, national or Olympic level, to take action to protect young people in sport – often facing hostility from those who would not believe that such a problem existed.
She helped anyone who was prepared to listen to understand that these problems did exist.
Vale.
Well said Keith she was obviously a remarkable woman and coach.
Thank you, Ron. Celia’s papers are in the library at Borough Road (now Brunel).
There is also a lot of her stuff on-line via the University of Chichester website, which Celia donated to the Anita White Foundation: https://www.changemakers.chi.ac.uk/.
Thank you for this, Keith. Celia was very attached to both Sue and you, as you know, I hope.
Thank you for finding the post at this time, Diana. I think the Chichester resource is absolutely outstanding. I have a link at https://keithlyons.me/blog/2017/07/17/changemakers-celia-anita-and-friends/ and now through your comment here. Our love to you. We hope to be with you at Wembley.