In Memoriam: Stephen Cutler

© UKC News
Last Sunday Stephen Cutler died whilst descending from one of his favourite climbs at the top of Raven Crag, Langdale in the Lake District. The 45-year-old was scrambling down off the rock with two friends when he slipped and fell.

Stephen, who lived in West Park Avenue in Ashton, Preston with his partner, Amanda Allchurch, 42, had been climbing for more than 10 years and was a member of the Preston Mountaineering Club.

Amanda described her partner of 15 years as “A man with a big rough exterior but with a heart of gold.” She added: “He never had a bad word to say about anybody and he was a real family man who loved having a laugh and making people happy. I was absolutely devastated when I got a phone call to say that he had been hurt and it was the longest journey of my life.”

Stephen, who had worked at the King's Butcher's in Broadway, Fulwood, for more than three decades, had climbed up the crag and was on the descent when he caught his foot and he slipped at 5.30pm.

He was attended to by friends and nearby climbers before being airlifted to Whitehaven's Cumberland Hospital by the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, at around 7pm.

He died as a result of his injuries on Monday morning.

Amanda, added: “I have been inundated with messages from all his friends in the climbing community and it shows just how much he was loved. Rock climbing was his life and at least he died doing something he loved. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.”

Amanda said that she is considering scattering Stephen's ashes in Langdale; one of his favourite climbing areas.

He also leaves behind his daughter, Amy, 17, a student at Newman College and stepson, Lee Allchurch, 22, an RAF communications expert, who was flown back from Afghanistan following news of the tragic accident.

An inquest was opened by Coroner John Taylor at the North and West Cumbria Coroners office, yesterday.

The family have requested donations to Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue - www.lamrt.org.uk

Report: Nazia Parveen of the Preston Citizen


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23 Jul, 2008
condolances to his family
23 Jul, 2008
Condolences to friends and family. With greatest sympathy. Deacon and Lauren
24 Jul, 2008
Condolences to friends and family. A really horrible accident. John Cox
24 Jul, 2008
condolences to his family
My thoughts are with the family and friends, condolences.
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