Derbyshire mountain rescue teams turn out in force for funeral of chairman Ken Blakeman

The funeral of a mountain rescue stalwart who died on his way to help a stricken hiker has taken place.
The funeral of Kinder Mountain Rescue Team chairman Ken BlakemanThe funeral of Kinder Mountain Rescue Team chairman Ken Blakeman
The funeral of Kinder Mountain Rescue Team chairman Ken Blakeman

Kinder Mountain Rescue Team member Ken Blakeman, collapsed on the hillside having suffered a suspected heart attack while on his way up Kinder Scout, trying to reach a walker who had got into distress.

Mr Blakeman’s funeral took place today (Friday, July 15).

His body was placed in a Kinder MRT ambulance at the team’s base, behind the George Hotel in Hayfield.

The funeral of Kinder Mountain Rescue Team chairman Ken BlakemanThe funeral of Kinder Mountain Rescue Team chairman Ken Blakeman
The funeral of Kinder Mountain Rescue Team chairman Ken Blakeman
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Mountain rescue vehicles from all seven Peak district Mountain Rescue teams then set off from the Sett Valley car park in Hayfield.

The convoy stopped near the family home in Great Moor to collect his family then travelled to St Saviours Church, Buxton Road, Great Moor, Stockport for the start of the service.

Mountain rescue formed a guard of honour outside the church.

Mr Blakeman had been a member of Kinder Mountain Rescue Team for more than 40 years and was their chairman.

The funeral of Kinder Mountain Rescue Team chairman Ken BlakemanThe funeral of Kinder Mountain Rescue Team chairman Ken Blakeman
The funeral of Kinder Mountain Rescue Team chairman Ken Blakeman
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He was also chairman of the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation, helping to guide his own team and the other six teams which make up the group.

Mr Blakeman, from Great Moor, Stockport, leaves a wife and two sons.

Team leader Neale Pinkerton said: “Ken was a true gentleman, the nicest man you could hope to meet. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and was always ready to help others, whatever the time, weather or season – mountain rescue in general and the Kinder team particularly have lost a great friend.

“Ken was a full and active member of the team who was regularly out on the hill during call-outs. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered for his humility, warmth and generous spirit, always ready to offer encouragement, support or advice to team members old and new.”

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