An East Kilbride athlete has dedicated her medal wins to “inspirational” Janice Eaglesham MBE, who passed away last week.
Diane Gillan claimed two gold medals and a silver at the Red Star Scottish Disability Athletics Chamionships recently, claiming top prizes in the 60m and 100m sprints and runner-up in the long jump.
And she wants her performances at Glasgow Crownpoint Sports Complex to honour Janice’s memory.
Janice and her husband Ian Mirfin, from Cambuslang, founded Red Star Athletic Club in 1990 to provide opportunities for athletes with disabilities and Diane has been one of many thousands to have benefited.
Diane had the pleasure of knowing Janice for the last six years and spoke of how kind and supportive she had been to her throughout that time.
The Whitehills woman, who has autism and a chromosome deficiency, said: “Janice was such an inspiration.
“She did so much for Red Star and she had a heart of gold.
“She always helped me enter competitions and whenever I was at events she would take an interest in me and how I got on.
“Janice was just such an amazing person. I remember at one event my wee nephew came along to support me. He didn’t take part or anything, but when I was getting my medal she gave him a wee bronze medal.
“It was such a nice thing to do and put a smile on his face. I really want to dedicate my medal wins to her.”
Janice and Ian both received MBE’s in 2016 for their services to disability sport and picked up the BBC’s Unsung Hero award at the Sports Personality Awards in 2011, as well as being a torchbearer for the 2012 Olympic/Paralympic Games in London.
She was also chair of Scottish Disability Sport and vice chair of the UK Sports Association for People with a Learning Disability.
Daine, who is back in action after recovery from sepsis earlier this year, added: “It’s so sad and I know her husband is devastated.
“She will be really missed by everyone. She was such a big part of the club.”
