I am trying to find information about Ernest (Ernie) Harper and wonder if anyone has details, photos, etc of him.
There is a huge amount of info regarding his Olympic exploits, many race result lists and a few photos, but very little info about the man himself.
My mother grew up in Stannington and would often run with him when he was training. She also remembers when the bus was full up from Malin Bridge he would offer up his seat and run along behind the bus, often all the way up to the Sportsman Inn.
I know he was donated a house nearby and that he moved to Australia in 1958 to live with his daughter (where he passed away).
He apparently turned professional just before the war but again I cannot find any details of this.
I know a daughter (Dorothy Eastwood) was alive and living in Stannington in 2004, then aged 80. The only article in the Star about him divulged these details.
The one thing I know for sure about him, is that he was the most incredible sportsmen. How many other runners would stop to help stumblers up, or chase after runners going the wrong way to redirect them? A true hero of sport.

Malcolm Douthwaite could be of help to you, a guy who has pulled together a great deal of info re running in Sheffield.
Sorry, but I can't give you any contact details for Malcolm, lets hope someone who knows reads this post.
Nick Duggan of Sheffield Running Club is a regular contributor to this Forum and I'm sure that if Nick sees this thread he will give you some help.

Thanks Runningman.
I've come across Malcolm's name in my search a couple of times and will try to track him down.
I'm stunned at how little there is about Ernie, particularly in Sheffield.
3 great Pathe newsreels of him winning the National Xcountry Championships though.
Cheers.

As an ex member of Hallamshire Harriers of which Ernest Harper was a member I do have some of his athletic achievements until he ran his last race for the club in 1935-36. This was in the Manchester to Blackpool relay race in which HH finished 2nd. I also have a photo of him in his England running kit. All this info is in the Jubilee of the Hallamshire Harriers 1896-1946 booklet. Re Malcolm Douthwaite, if he his still around I suggest you contact the Secretary of Hallamshire Harriers. He use to live at the side of Hillsboro Park, but this was over 20 years ago, he may have moved. Hope this is of help.

Thanks Choirgirl. I have now been in contact with Hallamshire Harriers Club and got a contact for Malcolm.
I have also been put in touch with Ernie's family in Australia which I'm hoping will offer up more details.
Would there be any chance of a copy of the relevant pages of your HH Jubilee booklet?
It would be most appreciated.
Thanks.

I am trying to find information about Ernest (Ernie) Harper and wonder if anyone has details, photos, etc of him.
There is a huge amount of info regarding his Olympic exploits, many race result lists and a few photos, but very little info about the man himself.
My mother grew up in Stannington and would often run with him when he was training. She also remembers when the bus was full up from Malin Bridge he would offer up his seat and run along behind the bus, often all the way up to the Sportsman Inn.
I know he was donated a house nearby and that he moved to Australia in 1958 to live with his daughter (where he passed away).
He apparently turned professional just before the war but again I cannot find any details of this.
I know a daughter (Dorothy Eastwood) was alive and living in Stannington in 2004, then aged 80. The only article in the Star about him divulged these details.
The one thing I know for sure about him, is that he was the most incredible sportsmen. How many other runners would stop to help stumblers up, or chase after runners going the wrong way to redirect them? A true hero of sport.



Mw Father was (in his youth) a personal friend of Ernest Harper. He was alwys referring to him when we went to atheletic meetings. Unfortunately I cant remeber all the words of praise.

i have bben x xxx fr

I am Ernie Harpers Grandaughter.(in Australia). My mother is Dorothy Eastwood (ernies daughter)who is still alive she turns 85 on the 2nd oct.If you want any information about my grandfather I will try and help you.