Michael 'Mickey' Wire passes away.

[Originally posted 15th May 2005 - since updated]
It is with the very greatest regret that I give news of the very worst kind. Mickey was central to the organisation of the Run from its' conception until 2004, working tirelessly on the unheralded and un-noticed parts of the event. Mickey has suffered cancer almost certainly due to smoking. However, he never touched a cigarette in his life but loved pubs. So, you can draw your own conclusions. He has suffered the disease for three years. Up to the run of 2004 he was as active as could be but life was a struggle afterwards. At about 8am on the 4th May his battle ended. He had seemed in good spirit 36 hours earlier. That he lasted so long was testimony to his strength and courage. I first met him 40 years ago. He has been a wonderful, reliable and characterful friend. What empty words "he will be badly missed" are. All words are flimsy compared with the man himself. The BDR team are already planning to honour him and comply with his wishes for the 2005 run. His funeral was on 18th of May. Hythe Church was full to overflowing, as were the glasses of beer later.
Half of his ashes are to spread on the Boxing Day course on the 20th of November 2005, meeting in the Castle at noon. The other half are on the Greek island of Anti-Paros. This tribute is to be extended before the 2007 Run, with pictures and tributes. SC