Royal Recognition of John Hulley - the forgotten man of British Olympic history
by Ray Hulley
Some members may recall my article published in the July-August 2012 edition of the Journal of One-Name Studies entitled “John Hulley Olympic Instigator”. This was published to coincide with the opening of the London Olympic Games.
I had been attracted initially to the John Hulley story, not only because he may have been a long-lost relative, but because he had a vision of the benefits of physical exercise and its place in the life of ordinary people. My interest was stimulated by an article written by the late Dr. Don Anthony, an ex-Olympic athlete and Executive Member of the International Society of Olympic Historians in the Winter 2001 edition of the Journal of Olympic History entitled "Organic Olympism or Olympic Orgy. - The Roots of Modern Olympism." (Note the clever use of the 5 Olympic rings in the title!). The mystery of his disappearance from the annals of Olympic history made it even more challenging to a family historian.
My researches of John Hulley started by tracing his grave in Smithdown Road cemetery. This was in a terrible condition with the almost unreadable headstone detached from the grave covers and the stonework adversely affected by over 130 years of atmospheric pollution. I decided to raise funds for its renovation and thanks to donations from the International Olympic Committee, the British Olympic Foundation, members of the public and of my family, I engaged Messrs Welsbys to undertake the work. The results were amazing, with the white marble
being brought back to its original colour. A re-dedication ceremony was held in June 2009 conducted by the Rev. Graham Murphy Minister of Toxteth Park chapel where John Hulley had been married. Revd. Murphy ended his address with the following: “Until now, Hulley has suffered from obscurity following his early death. Let the restoration of his grave be an end to that. It is with great pleasure that I declare this restoration to be the granting to John Hulley of a place in history, which he undoubtedly deserves.
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Liverpool Heartbeat
Liverpool Heartbeat has been inspiring young people in the Northwest and Merseyside to pursue healthy, exciting, fulfilled life styles since its formation in 2002. And we're loving every minute.
Founded by Robin Baynes MBE the charity continues to support local youth organisations across the region. We've raised hundreds of thousands of pounds and invested every penny back into the community.
Aquathons, triatholons, bike rides, bee projects, dance and music, boxing, karate, football, rugby, mountain climbing and open water swimming, over the years we've supported it all!
Culminating in our founding of the John Hulley Lagacy a series of sporting events that we have nurtured and supported towards achieving self sustaining financial success.
Donate to Liverpool Heartbeat
Formed in 2001 by Robin Baynes MBE Liverpool Heartbeat helps young people in North WestEngland participate in society as independent,mature,responsible individuals by installing career and lifestyles aspirations. It achieves this by providing advice and assistance, organising educational programmes.
Click here - You can donate at Justgiving
Robin Baynes MBE
Robin has dedicated his life to providing homes for the most vulnerable in our society.
Robin has swum the English channel.
He's re established the Cross Mersey Swim.
He's lobbyed successfully for the City of Liverpool to officially recognise John Hulley as a son of the city. READ MORE
Liverpool Heartbeat Calendar 2019
Breaking News
John Hulley Statue to unveiled Mid Summer
6th January
Frank Caryle internet interview with Liverpool Heartbeat and Tim Quinn
26th January
NCDCheerleads Prom.
March
Release of Tom Murphy Sculptor Trail Map
One hour and a two hour walk with many features
May/June
Bret Jones 10k plus One Mile Fun Run
A John Hulley Legacy Event
Mid Summer
John Hulley Statue to be unveiled
June
Across Mersey Swim
National Showing Show at Aintree Racecourse with a FamilyFunday.
Both John Hulley Legacy Events
July
Crosby Junior Aquathlon
John Hulley Legacy Event
Other Event dates to be released soon.
The History of Liverpool Heartbeat In Photos and captions
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FOR THE ONLINE GALLEY!
On our Facebook page
Liverpool Heartbeat Past History
Some old photographs and information, click here!
John Hulley Statue to be unveiled 14th June 2019
Cycle through rural India
In November 2019 at the age of 65. Ossie Omar will be getting on his bike to raise funds for Liverpool Heartbeat.
He will be part a group of men and women who will cycle through rural Rajasthan, India. The route begins in Agra, home to Taj Mahal and ending in the pink city of Jaipur.
It's a trip of over 1000 kms in just 10 days, both on and off road, which is a huge challenge for cyclists. He needs to raise a minimum of £3200
The Road to John Hulley 2019
A tribute to everyone involved with Liverpool Heartbeat
Robin has come out of retirement
A tribute to everyone involved with Liverpool Heartbeat
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