Runners pay tribute to Lancaster man, 46, who died suddenly

Friends of a 46 year old runner who collapsed and died suddenly have crossed the line together in his memory at a race in Lancaster.
Andrew Boardman.Andrew Boardman.
Andrew Boardman.

Members of Andrew Boardman’s running club paid the touching tribute at the end of a five mile run at Salt Ayre Sports Centre.

More than 20 of his road runner club mates ran the Bernard and Evelyn Elkington 80th Birthday race on Sunday, crossing the line in unison with Andrew’s race number and carrying flowers.

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Lancaster-born Andrew was himself scheduled to run but suffered a suspected stroke the day before.

Runners crossing the line at Salt Ayre to pay tribute to Andrew Boardman.Runners crossing the line at Salt Ayre to pay tribute to Andrew Boardman.
Runners crossing the line at Salt Ayre to pay tribute to Andrew Boardman.

He collapsed while walking to Blackburn Road Runners event and was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital, before being transferred to the Walton Centre in Liverpool where he died in the early hours of Sunday.

His death came as a complete shock to friends and family.

The chairman of Blackburn Road Runners said Andrew was “the fittest he’d ever been” and described him as “the kindest, most caring man”.

Andrew lived on Hope Street in Lancaster during his childhood and went to Bowerham School.

Runners crossing the line at Salt Ayre to pay tribute to Andrew Boardman.Runners crossing the line at Salt Ayre to pay tribute to Andrew Boardman.
Runners crossing the line at Salt Ayre to pay tribute to Andrew Boardman.

He and his family left the area when Andrew was 10.

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Mr Boardman, who was single and a regular marathon runner, lived in Blackburn and worked as an architectural technician in Ramsbottom.

He was on the organ donor register and seven of his organs have been donated since his death to help save lives.

Andrew is survived by his mum and dad Jackie and Bob, brother Anthony, sister-in-law Dawn and niece Amy.

His funeral will be held at Blackburn Cathedral at 1.30pm on Monday, August 15.

The family have requested donations in Mr Boardman’s name to the Stroke Association and the Milly’s Smiles charity.

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