Scamp was faithful to the end

THE faithful dog of a man who died while walking near Dovestone Reservoir stayed by his side until paramedics arrive.

Accountant Kevin Gossan (56), from Dukinfield, was discovered by two mountain bikers after he suffered a heart attack on the Chew track.

His Langdale terrier, Scamp, stayed with him but was scared when the air ambulance was scrambled to the scene. She ran off and Mr Gossan’s family are still hunting for her.

The drama unfolded at about 7pm last Monday just short of a mile from Dovestone Reservoir where the keen walker had parked.

Around 25 members of Oldham Mountain Rescue attended and deputy team leader Denzil Broadhurst said: “Two mountain bikers came across the man on the track leading to Chew Reservoir. They started doing CPR and phoned 999.

“They waited for the ambulance service who, because of the location, contacted us immediately as well as dispatching a rapid response vehicle. A number of mountain rescue staff got their first and took over the CPR. The air ambulance was also called in.”

Paramedics failed to revive Mr Gossan and he was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital by ambulance by road.

Mr Gossan was married to Michelle and had a 12-year-old daughter, Elizabeth. He also leaves his mum, Joan, and seven brothers and sisters.

His sister Joan Evans (60) from Dukinfield described him as a private man.

She paid tribute to those who attended the scene and said: “The family just want to thank the mountain rescue, air ambulance and all the people who helped.”

Mr Gossan’s funeral will be held at St Mary’s, Dukinfield, at 9.45am on Friday followed by cremation at Dukinfield Crematorium. No flowers, donations to Oldham Mountain Rescue if desired.