It was with the deepest sadness that members of Buxton M.R.T. learnt of the sudden death of Kinder team member and Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation Chairman, Ken Blakeman.

Ken, aged 69, from Great Moor, Stockport, had been a stalwart of Kinder team for over 40 years and was the team’s Chairman.  He was also Chairman of the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation, helping to guide not only his own team, but also the other six teams that make up the organization.

Ken collapsed on the hill during a call-out on the afternoon of Saturday 2nd July 2016, whilst making his way up onto Kinder to assist a young Duke of Edinburgh walker in distress. Despite the best efforts of his teammates, and the assistance of an air-ambulance crew, Ken was pronounced dead on arrival at Sheffield Northern General Hospital.

All members of Buxton team send their deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Ken’s wife and his two sons.

Ken was a true gentleman who always sought to help others without criticism of anyone.  He was an ideal regional Chairman, always showing patience and always ready to listen to both sides of a conversation.

Ken will be sadly missed by many people, his family, his friends in Kinder team and everyone involved in mountain rescue.