Richard Graves seen after being winched down from an RAF Sea King helicopter

Richard Graves seen after being winched down from an RAF Sea King helicopter

A rescue team has paid tribute to a member who lost his battle with cancer.

Richard Graves was described by Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team as a gentleman.

A spokesperson said the team announced the news of Mr Graves’s death with a heavy heart.

“Richard was indeed a true gentleman – honest, genuine and a funny chap who brought warmth, compassion and a cheeky smile to any occasion or situation, be it training, fundraising, social events, or at a callout to help a member of the community.

“He also worked for Lloyds Bank so used his business knowledge to assist the team as treasurer until his illness restricted his spare time.

“Despite battling cancer Richard, with the help of his children Jack and Amelia, successfully completed his Mountain Rescue England and Wales casualty care examination in November to the delight of his family and the team.

“Richard Graves was, in his own words, shy, retiring, polite and happy – likes the outdoors, loves t’Yorkshire moors and t’dales – and his favourite quote was: ‘Life is for living and living is free’.”

Mr Graves’s six-year-old daughter Amelia Graves recently had her long hair cut off to help raise money for two charities. She donated her hair to Little Princess Trust – a charity that creates real hair wigs for children and young adults who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment or other illnesses.

Amelia was also fundraising for the Calder Valley team, and raised £800 from the event.

Mr Graves’s daughter’s charity effort is continuing, with more than £1,300 currently raised. Donations can be made via her MyDonate page.

Some articles the site thinks might be related:

  1. Calder Valley team uses rope system to rescue injured woman at Otley Chevin
  2. Climber Mick Fowler looks forward to a return to Himalaya after his most taxing year