Lawyer dies after collapsing during half marathon

A LAWYER in the finance team of the Manchester office of DLA Piper died on Sunday April 3, having collapsed close to the finish line of the Wilmslow half marathon.

It is understood that Alan Lumley, who was that day celebrating his 31st birthday, was treated by paramedics and then taken to hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Lumley was part of DLA’s debt finance team and specialised in leveraged acquisition finance transactions and was recently shortlisted for two Young Lawyer of the Year awards.

He acted for North West bank club in the financing of the acquisition of the government-owned Tote betting business by Betfred and also acted for Booths supermarket in a £93m refinancing.

He had been an associate lawyer at DLA since September 2011, having first joined as a trainee two years earlier.

Liam Cowell, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Manchester office, said: “We are greatly saddened by the tragic loss of Alan Lumley. Alan was a very talented lawyer who was extremely well-liked and respected by colleagues and clients alike. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the pleasure of working alongside him. Our thoughts are with his family and his girlfriend at this sad time.”

Lumley, who was born in Warrington and grew up in Darlington before moving to Manchester, studied Law at the University of Manchester and BPP Law School.

In recent years he was a keen runner and had previously completed ten half marathon and 10K races.

In a statement his family said: “Running was a passion that he shared with his girlfriend of eight years Nicky Harris, who was also running the Half Marathon that day. Alan enjoyed playing golf was also an avid Liverpool FC and Warrington Wolves supporter.

“Alan was the kindest and most loving son, brother and boyfriend that anyone could ever wish for. He was loyal, thoughtful and was liked and admired by everyone he met. Due to his sharp intellect and captivating personality he had established a successful career which showed great promise. He had been renovating his first home in Cheadle Hulme with Nicky and was looking forward to being an usher at sister Julia’s wedding in eight weeks’ time.

“Our lives have been shattered by the tragic loss of Alan on his 31st birthday. His memory will live on through us as we will celebrate his life the way he lived his – doing the things he loved with the people he loved.”

His family have set up a JustGiving page with all monies donated to a charity that the family will choose once they know the cause of death.