Antony (Tony) Maxwell

Anthony (Tony) James Maxwell completed an undergraduate degree in Geography at Durham University before coming to Queens’ as a postgraduate to study Education. He was very proud to be asked to come to Queens’ by Mike Turner to strengthen the athletic team. This culminated in a full Blue in Athletics and Cross Country.

When he left Cambridge, he was asked to join a group of Elite Milers, through which he was invited to run twice for England abroad.

On leaving Cambridge, Tony had a very successful career in teaching, culminating in almost 20 years as Head Teacher at Barking Abbey Comprehensive School in Barking, Essex.

He carried on his love of athletics throughout his life, being a lifelong member of Woodford Green Athletics Club. Here he undertook various coaching and admin roles, including arranging a running trip to Europe in the late 1960s involving five other countries’ top teams (and I think England was top of the group). Tony was undefeated in the mile at this competition.

Throughout his working life he encouraged athletics, and all sports, in his schools. So much so that Barking Abbey became one of the country’s first ‘specialist sports colleges’, which included funding for a wonderful sports centre for use by the school and local community alike.

Later in life some members of the College team got together to run a relay along the Regents Canal from London to Birmingham – an amazing feat of stamina and organisation! They were met in Birmingham by Tony’s son Stuart and the rest of the Birmingham University Athletics team to enjoy a bevvy or two.

Right up until his illness he arranged regular meetings with former international athletes and friends called ‘Athletes Reunited’, which I know all enjoyed and gave them a sense of previous achievements – much needed in old age.

Tony was married to Carol, with two children Stuart and Petra, and five much-loved grandchildren. He continued his close connection to Cambridge through the years. Stuart and Petra remember many day trips including the obligatory visit to Heffers’ Children’s bookshop; and Tony and Carol enjoyed coming back in their retirement for some wonderful College Shakespeare performances in the beautiful gardens of Queens’
He will be sadly missed by many people from his teaching and athletics career, but as a family we take heart in a life lived enthusiastically to the full.

Carol Maxwell, 2023