Former athlete celebrates 100 years not out

Former Luton athlete Ken Abbott who turns 100 this month

A former athlete who devoted eight decades of his life to Bedfordshire Athletics Association – an organisation started by his father – celebrates his centenary on August 28.

Ken Abbott of Pope’s Meadow has two plaques on his window sill - one commemorating his retirement as president of Beds AA after 84 years of service and the other in recognition and appreciation of 60 years of service to the South of England Athletics Associaton.

The great grandfather is very modest about his achievements and did his running back in the day when athletes competed on cinder tracks wearing spikes. He was a county champion and his only regret is not taking part in the Olympics.

Ken left school at 14. “I grew up in the depression,” he said. “My father was unemployed and life was hard. I had lots of different jobs but finished up at Skefco where I spent 42 years.”

He was with the RAF during the war where he met his late wife, Pat. The couple’s son Mick is organising a centenary celebration.