INSPIRATIONAL teacher and runner Ruby Campbell has passed away at the age 84.

Ruby was a much-loved teacher, working at Hare Street, Tany’s Dell, Spinney, Potter Street primary schools. Ruby must have educated thousands of young children in the town.

Old Harlow resident Ruby was the wife of former headteacher Robin Campbell and mother to Robert and Mary.

Many also knew Ruby as a top class runner.

The following message was put on the Harlow parkrun Facebook page.

“Ruby Campbell, a regular spectator and occasional runner of Harlow Parkrun has died at 84. Ruby was an an athlete from a young age, setting blistering times in the sprints (when women were not allowed to run further than 800 metres!) and Long Jump; indeed her feats still appear in the All-Time Lists (for Women) of Ilford A.C, including 12.2 (100m), 25.2 (200m) and 5.23 (Long Jump).

In her middle years, she took to marathons running a number at London in the low 3’30s.

In the 2000s, she joined the rest of the family in orienteering, often competing alongside her grandchildren. She had many an excellent run, culminating in selection one year to represent England in the annual ‘Interland’ competition, alongside her eldest grandchild, Alice.

Over the last decade, she became a willing parkrun tourist (albeit most often as driver and sandwich maker), supporting her beloved husband, Robin, on his quest to notch up as many as parkrun venues as possible (he’s got to 246 different locations and 342 in total).

“Her occasional runs resulted in more records, including the current one of 46.57 for W80-84 at Harlow, her home course”

“Both Ruby and Robin are an Inspiration to us all.

“Our Thoughts are with Her family and friends at this sad time.”