Christine goes for race glory

For Denton couple Norman and Beryl Perera, having an international athlete in the family meant more than pride and glory.

Giving encouragement when success proved elusive, cooking three dozen eggs a week as part of a high protein diet and patiently washing mud-splattered running kit had become a way of life at their home in Radnor Avenue for the past four years.

The whole family was behind 19-year-old Christine Perera, Norman and Beryl’s middle daughter, as she prepared to fly out to Athens in September 1969 to compete for Great Britain in the European Games.

Christine, who worked as a comptometer operator at Denton’s Lancaster Carpets, would be running in the women’s 100m hurdles.

Having won every trophy at her school sports days, Christine had caught the attention of coach Jack Jenkins, who introduced her to East Cheshire Harriers and kept a watchful eye on her training at the club on Richmond Street, Ashton.

Christine’s dad acted as her chauffeur-chaperone for four years, driving her to athletics meetings all over the country - a role which her fiancé and fellow athlete Kevin Bell had recently taken over.

Younger sister Sheila, 17, a trainee nursery nurse, would jog around the track on training sessions to keep her company. Elder sister, Jeanne, 21, had joined the family on many a wet and windswept sports field cheering Christine on.

Mum Beryl provided vital ‘behind the scenes’ support, making sure Christine was sticking to her diet, washing those muddy shorts and shirts and polishing her winners’ cups and trophies.