The former colleague of a beloved Coventry businessman will pay a fitting tribute to his life by taking on one of the city’s greatest physical challenges.
Howard Andersen, a former Coventry University business lecturer and keen runner, died aged 63 following a short battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), and close friend Keely Hancox is hoping to use the advice he gave her in his final months to take on the Coventry Half Marathon.
Keely, who is Operations Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, is taking on the 13-mile challenge in a bid to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) in his memory.
More than 4,000 runners are expected to take part in the Coventry Half Marathon on Sunday, October 31, and Keely is hoping to raise as much as possible for the MNDA via her JustGiving page.
The charity, which provides care and support for people living with MND, as well as their families and carers, also raises funds for research into the disease.
Howard was diagnosed with MND in October 2020, prompting Keely to sign up for the Coventry Half Marathon, a race that Howard had participated in in the past, in addition to full marathons in London and Amsterdam.
Howard retained many of his physical abilities in the early stages of his diagnosis and joined Keely in running round the memorial park as park of her preparation, offering advice on how to approach long-distance running.
One of the first physical deteriorations that Howard experienced was his speech and facial muscles, but he was able to carry on exercising with Keely until March, giving her advice by using a text-based communication aid.
Keely said: “Howard was always in excellent physical condition, so it was of course a massive shock to hear of his diagnosis with MND.
“He was a true gentleman and absolutely critical to the development of the Chamber and business in the region while he was here and I know there are countless people including his students who are grateful for the way he approached life.
“He was able to give me some great advice over the last year including tips on how to prepare, and was always filled with encouragement and enthusiasm.
“Hopefully, by running in this year’s half marathon we can raise funds for the MND association and awareness surrounding this cruel and increasingly prevalent disease whilst honouring Howard’s memory.”
Howard completed a PhD in Economic History in 1989, moving from teaching into research and policy development roles in public and voluntary sector bodies.
The pair worked together at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce between 2008 and 2014, when he left his role as Deputy Chief Executive at the Chamber to return to university and gain an MBA in Business Administration, before becoming a lecturer in business studies.
For more information about the Coventry Half Marathon visit www.enjoycoventry.com/festivalofrunning/halfmarathon
For more information about the MNDA visit www.mndassociation.org
Caption: Keely Hancox is running the Coventry Half Marathon in memory of Howard Andersen to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).