Man of the mountains John dies

OLDHAM Mountain Rescue stalwart John Milton Edwards

JOHN Milton Edwards, the dynamic chairman of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, has died.

And as a mark of respect and popularity, leading officers from mountain rescue teams in Ireland, Scotland and South Wales will join mourners at Hollinwood Crematorium on Friday.

Mr Edwards, (58), from Greenfield, was one of mountain rescue’s leading champions and had been chairman for the last five years.

And a convoy of mountain rescue vehicles from across the region, including Bolton, Rossendale and Calder, will join Oldham-based colleagues, family and friends at the service.

As chairman of OMRT, Mr Edwards was instrumental in spearheading fund-raising initiatives for the team during their busiest-ever winter on rescues and turn outs.

Mr Milton joined OMRT in the early 1990s just as it bought its first new Land Rover.

He supervised bringing the vehicle up to the rigorous specifications required to turn it into an ambulance, and though his diligence, managed to ensure the vehicle livery was provided by a generous sponsor.

He became the team’s equipment officer in 1992, and chairman in 2005,

Mick Nield, OMRT’s leader said: “John will be sadly missed by everyone in our team and across the whole mountain rescue movement.

“He was a really colourful character and filled with passion for mountain rescue locally, regionally and nationally. It has already been said that national conferences will not be the same without him.

“He was a leading figure too in the regions, focusing on the needs for new and latest equipment to ensure all teams were at the front line of technology to tackle any emergency.

“John was a real character — and they definitely broke the mould when he was made.” Mr Edwards, who suffered a heart attack, is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter Millie and son, Robert. The service takes place at 1pm.

The family have asked for no flowers but donations to OMRT, which should be send to: Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, c/o The Cross Keys, Uppermill, Saddleworth, its headquarters.


Since the beginning of the year, OMRT has answered 80 requests for assistance.