Tributes paid to mountain hero Mike

Mike Grimes

Oldham’s heroes of the hills are mourning the passing of one of their staunchest past team members.

Mike Grimes joined Oldham Mountain Rescue Team with his brother Noel and his friend Paul in November, 2002 and, said a team spokesperson, “fitted in immediately".

“Right from the beginning Mike would have us all in stitches with his jokes and one liners, which made training a lot more entertaining.

“Mike was everyone’s friend.

"He had a heart of gold and a smile that could light up a room.

"If you ask any of our team we all have hundreds of wonderful memories of Mike, because that was who he was and we loved him for it."

The spokesperson added: “Even though he had left the team he still stayed in touch.

"To hear he has passed on is devastating and our thoughts are with Noel and his family, as well as all of Mike's friends at this impossible time."

Rob Tortoiseshell, OMRT’s leader, said: "Everyone at OMRT is absolutely stunned at the sad news of Mike’s passing.

"He never failed to lighten the mood with his jokes and witty one liners, always ready with a kind word for anyone who looked down in the dumps.

“Mountain Rescue is one big family and, although Mike had officially left the team, he still kept in touch, attending fundraisers and functions when he could.

“Our thoughts are with Noel, Mike’s brother, and the rest of his family and friends. RIP Mike, still on the hill...”

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