A MAN is raising money for a Cumbrian mountain rescue team in memory of his partner, who died whilst completing the Lake District Bob Graham challenge.

Jamie Pickervance, from St Helens, will take part in the Manchester marathon on April 14 to raise funds for Wasdale Mountain Rescue, a charity who he says ‘hold a special place in my heart’ after they brought his partner Alex Neely down from the mountain, after he suffered a fatal fall whilst attempting to complete the Bob Graham round in July 2023.

Alex, who was from Saltaire near Bradford, had a love for the outdoors and spent a lot of time in the Lake District.

He was a volunteer leader for an LGBT group called Outdoor Lads, which we both spent a lot of time with.

Speaking about why he was doing the marathon in aid of the Wasdale MRT, Jamie said: I’ve always wanted to run a marathon but never had the courage to put my name forward, it was Alex who signed me up for it which makes this a very personal run for me.

“I think it is incredibly important to raise money for Wasdale Mountain Rescue. I’ve always been aware of their presence, but this accident has shown me how much work they do.

"From their Instagram I saw they had 166 rescues in 2023 and some of the work that the volunteers go through.

“Therefore, I think it is fitting to run the marathon to raise funds for Wasdale Mountain Rescue, for Alex and for everyone else that WMRT have rescued.”

To date the fundraising page has already smashed its original target of £3,000, with donations continuing to come in.

Jamie said: “I’m certain Alex would be very proud if he could see what was happening. He had a lot of interest in the outdoors and loved the Wasdale area, so I know he would love the idea of raising funds for WMRT.

“If he could see the amount of support the fundraiser has received and some of the messages and stories attached to it, he would love it.”

Wasdale MRT commended Jamie for his fundraising efforts. In a statement on social media, they said: “Jamie, we remain extremely sorry for your loss but thank you enormously for your fundraising efforts.”