Bury News

Foundation set up in memory of mountaineer

9:10am Saturday 28th January 2012

A FOUNDATION will be set up in memory of a Bury student who fell to his death in an ice-climbing accident in California.

Michael Machell died on January 14 when he slipped as he climbed down a frozen waterfall at Cascade Falls, at Lake Tahoe in California.

The 23-year-old was an experienced mountain climber and had moved to the USA in August to study at the University Of California, Berkeley.

His twin brother, Alex, said: “He was a very good climber. He was almost at professional level and had been doing it for years. Everyone respected him and knew how good he was.

“He loved climbing up iced waterfalls but he slipped as he was coming down.”

Mr Machell loved spending time outdoors and started climbing at the age of seven, when he scaled Bowfell in the Lake District with his dad, Paul.

He joined Langdale And Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team as a trainee in 2008 when he moved to Ambleside to study at the University Of Cumbria.

He worked his way up to become the team’s youngest ever full-time member and was involved in around 170 rescues until he left last year.

Donations to the mountain rescue team are being collected in Mr Machell’s memory and his family plan to set up a foundation to raise more money.

Fundraising ideas already being considered include a Thai boxing event, football tournament, car meet and an annual event in Ambleside.

Nick Owen, team leader, said: “Michael was a great friend, a regular climbing partner and a committed team member. His youthful energy and boundless enthusiasm was infectious. He will be sadly missed by all current and former team members.”

Born and bred in Bury, Mr Machell was a former pupil at Greenhill Primary School and Tottington High School, where he achieved a string of A*s at GCSE.

While studying A-levels at Holy Cross College, he worked at Automatic Cafe, in Bury town centre, starting as a dishwasher and working his way up to sous chef.

Mr Machell graduated from the University Of Cumbria last year with a first class degree in outdoor professional practice.

Dr Liz Mallabon, senior lecturer at the university, said staff were deeply shocked to hear of the death of “a well-liked and respected student”, who helped fellow students develop their map reading and climbing skills.

She added: “He was a first class student with a genuine energy for life and the outdoors, which he couldn't help but share with those around him. If there was an opportunity on offer, Mike would grab it — it was a pleasure to have taught him.”

Mr Machell spent two months living with his uncle in San Francisco and decided to enrol on a one-year post-graduate business studies degree at Berkeley.

His long-term plan was to set up an outdoor pursuits centre in Ambleside and lead guided walks in the area.

He returned to Bury at Christmas to spend time with his family, parents Paul and Andrea, sister Nicola, aged 26, and Alex.

He also met up with many friends and went climbing in the Cairngorms in Scotland, before going back to California earlier this month.

Alex added: “When he came home at Christmas, he said he had never been happier.”

A funeral will be held at 11.30am on Thursday, February 2 at Bolton Road Methodist Church in Bury.

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