Funeral of Alan Turner, from Winton, near Northallerton (From Durham Times)

Funeral of Alan Turner, from Winton, near Northallerton

8:07am Monday 8th February 2010

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HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to a popular farmer and family man, who died after falling more than 300ft while climbing in the Lake District.

More than 350 family members, friends and colleagues of Alan Turner, from Winton, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, attended his funeral at the weekend.

Mr Turner, who was 54, died on January 31, after falling on Great Gable, in Cumbria.

St Gregory’s Church, in Bedale, was packed for Saturday’s service.

Mr Turner was climbing with Andy Platell, an archaeologist from Durham University, when they got into difficulty.

They are understood to have fallen about 320ft from the mountainside, before sliding a further 200ft along hardpacked snow.

Mr Platell, from Durham, suffered serious injuries and remains in a stable condition in hospital.

Prayers were said for his recovery at Mr Turner’s funeral.

Tributes flowed for the former parish councillor, school governor and arable farmer.

A fellow climber said Mr Turner was having the “time of his life” before the accident and died doing something he was passionate about.

The Reverend Cath Vickers, who led the service, said: “Alan loved the outdoor life and the feeling of exhilaration and perspective of being so close to nature.

“He cared deeply for his wife and family and did everything he could for them.”

Mr Turner’s widow, Janet, attended the service, along with the couple’s daughters, Lindsay and Michelle.

He also leaves three grandchildren, as well as a brother, Brian.

Among the tributes was one from fellow climber Craig McMahon, who was climbing the same section of mountain and rushed to help after the accident.

In a letter to Mrs Turner, which was read out during the service, Mr McMahon wrote: “I am so sorry that we could not do any more for Alan.

“He looked like he was having the time of his life.”

John Deighton, president of the Swaledale Outdoor Club, of which Mr Turner was a valued member, paid further tribute to his friend.

He said: “I have known Alan since he became a member of the club in 1996 and he went on to become an important member, often leading walks.

“As well as walking, he got into mountain biking, climbing and even cross-country skiing.

“There were very few things he would not have a go at.”

■ A collection after the service raised nearly £2,000. This will be split between the Great North Air Ambulance and Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.

■ The Northern Echo attended the service with the permission of Mr Turner’s family.

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