More than £1,000 raised in memory of York climber (From York Press)

More than £1,000 raised in memory of York climber John Taylor

7:30am Thursday 13th September 2012 in News

COLLEAGUES of a York climber who died in an avalanche have raised more than £1,000 for a search and rescue dog organisation in his memory.

Staff at Vela, a social housing and regeneration company, were devastated by the death in July of John Taylor, 48, of Upper Poppleton , who was group director of resources and a much loved and respected friend and colleague.

He and a friend from Poppleton, Steve Barber, were among a party of nine climbers killed in the avalanche on Mont Maudit, in the Mont Blanc range near Chamonix.

Nineteen male colleagues from the Vela Group, based in the north-east, decided to grow magnificent moustaches and then have them shaved off for the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA).

Mr Taylor was a keen supporter of SARDA, regularly volunteering to act as a casualty for dogs to find during training sessions.

Brian Robinson, Vela technical manager, said he decided to organise a moustache growing contest as he felt it was something a little different and a fun challenge that would raise many smiles.

Cath Purdy, Vela group chief executive, said: “John was much loved and well respected. Work friends, who were left devastated by his death, wanted to pay tribute to him by raising money in his memory.

“John was a regular volunteer with SARDA and helped many dogs and handlers make the grade. His widow, Karine, chose the charity for donations in John’s memory.

“Colleagues felt it would be appropriate to raise money for SARDA because it is a worthy cause that was close to John’s heart.

Harold Burrows, national SARDA chairman, said: “John Taylor did sterling work for the charity and will be sorely missed by all his friends at SARDA.

“We are really grateful to his colleagues for this generous donation – we would not be able to provide our rescue service without the support of the public.”