Janet Paul, lifelong Birchfield Harrier and one of the founders of Birmingham Sportshall League passed away on Saturday 19th November 2016. After a short illness brought on by dementia she passed away peacefully in her sleep with her husband by her side.

Janet has inspired 100's if not 1000's of young people to find and stay in athletics, a sport that gave her so much joy all her life. Janet along with George Bunner (creator of Sportshall Athletics) helped set up the Birmingham Sportshall League nearly 40 years ago. Janet was Birmingham Sportshall League Secretary for over 30 years retiring as recently as 2011. She was also National Sportshall Assistant Secretary to George Bunner for many years.

The Birmingham Sportshall League has given many young athletes their first taste of competition and motivated them to great things. Some have gone on to reach the heights of Great British Team Selection and one has stood on the top of the Olympic Podium. Janet often said "I just want to see the kids enjoying themselves" her standard phrase for what she felt the league has provided for young people.

Janet continued to support Birmingham Sportshall League after her retirement in 2011 and only stopped attending meetings when her health no longer allowed her to.