John Samuel, the sports editor of The Guardian from 1968 to 1986, is seriously ill in hospital after a heart attack and a stroke.
John started journalism as a 16-year-old covering the VE Day celebrations for the Evening Argus in Brighton and, at the age of 84, he was still writing golf and skiing travel articles.
He has been a stalwart of the Sports Journalists’ Association (he was chairman of the journalism awards judges in 2003-2004) and was captain of the Press Golfing Society in 1990.
He is in the Princess Royal Hospital at Haywards Heath and is unable at present to have visitors.
“All his friends and colleagues at the SJA wish John a speedy recovery,” Steven Downes, the SJA Secretary, said.
“John’s has been a stalwart supporter of the Association, and we’d like to offer similar support for him and his family now.”
- The SJA is the largest member organisation of sports media professionals in the world. Join us: Click here for more details
UPCOMING SJA EVENTS
Thu Dec 11: SJA British Sports Awards, sponsored by The National Lottery, at the Grand Connaught Rooms
2015
Mon Mar 23: SJA British Sports Journalism Awards, sponsored by BT Sport, at the Grand Connaught Rooms. Entry forms will be available in October 2014
Mon Sep 14: SJA Autumn Golf Day, Muswell Hill Golf Club