of the 800 metres, in 2:14.24. She held the British record for 1500m for 11 years and held claim to the world mark in the mile for 8 years in total. Personal life Charles retired from athletics at the age of 27 and lived in Cornwall for the remainder of her life. She worked for child protection agencies and was a volunteer for Cruse Bereavement Care and Samaritans. She was married for more than 55 years—her husband died in 2017—and had four children and 13 grandchildren. She died on 5 September 2018, aged 85, in Truro, Cornwall. She had recently suffered a stroke. References External links "Almost the 5 Minute Mile" Pathe newsreel featuring Leather, 31 May 1954 1933 births 2018 deaths Sportspeople from Staffordshire English female middle-distance runners Birchfield Harriers European Athletics Championships medalists International Cross Country Championships winners Athletes (track and field) at the 1960 Summer Olympics Olympic athletes of Great Britain