Seymour Arthur Izzard died aged 89 after an impressive lifetime of smashing cross country marathons and inspiring younger athletes at the Woodside Stadium.

Watford Harriers, which has been running since 1925, has been one of the leading road running clubs and has helped train many junior athletes in the area.

Born in October 1931, it was not until 1948 that Mr Izzard joined the Watford Harriers and began his legacy at the club.

Seymour at Cassiobury Park in 1955

Just a year after being part of the Watford Harriers, the former chairman entered and won the Herts County Youth cross country ‘Watford’ title, along the Herts County versus Queen Elizabeth School 1-mile race.

This kickstarted a series of achievements, ranging from representing the Royal Signals in cross country races in Catterick and Germany and becoming the Herts County Vets 10-mile and 20-mile road champion.

At the age of 50, he entered the first ever London Marathon and continued his marathons and races for other competitions.

On October 29, 1955, Mr Izzard married Edith Margaret Lilian Izzard, known as Lily, who was born in Redbourne.

Seymour and Lily

The couple met at the Red Lion pub in Bushey in 1954, and Mr Izzard quickly fell in love with the amateur artist and soon had three sons, David, Stuart and Mark.

Lily died aged 82 surrounded by her family at Hill House Care Home in Elstree.

Mr Izzard’s funeral service will be held on May 18 at North Chapel, West Hertfordshire Crematorium. The service can be live streamed from 2.40pm and can be accessed through https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view with the following details: Login / Order ID: 94224 Password: vmgbqfgg