'He showed true dedication, grit and passion to his sport': Hundreds expected at 'Tipton Thrasher' Keith's funeral

Keith Rollason - known as the “Tipton Thrasher” or “Killer Keith," will be remembered at his funeral on Thursday followed by a wake at the venue which is the home of the famous Tipton Harriers Athletics Club.

So much a part of the club during the 1970s and 1980s when he was an international cross country champion, Keith will be wearing the famous vest of green and white hoops as he makes his final journey.

His nephew Jimmy Andrews, whose dad Robert trained Keith and the likes of Paul Venmore who was equally successful, said the family would like the whole community to come out and celebrate his life.

He said: "Keith, Paul and many others of their time showed true dedication, grit and passion to a sport they all were committed in and invested in like professionals

"And as successful as they were, behind the scenes they built a legacy that’s still remembered by those who followed athletics in its heyday across the Black Country and beyond.

"Keith was a record-breaker, a champion through and through, and carried that same strength and grit throughout his life.

" Even in his later years, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, he would laugh it off and simply say that the only thing wrong with him was that he needed a new knee. 

"That was Keith all over — tough, humble, and never one to surrender or give up.

"He passed away recently at the grand age of 75, and fittingly, he's going to be wearing his Tipton Harriers vest for his final outfit — a proud symbol of his lifelong passion."

Jimmy said for anyone who knew Keith and would like to pay their respects, his funeral will take place on Thursday at 12:15pm at Gornal Wood Crematorium, followed by a wake at the Tipton Sports and Social Club — the home of Tipton Harriers