British climbers Steve Barber and John Taylor, who died in an avalanche in the French Alps, were killed while raising money for a hospice in their home town, it emerged today.
The men, who lived in the same street in the village of Upper Poppleton in York, were among nine climbers to die after a snow slide believed to be caused by a dislodged slab of ice.
They had planned to ascend the Mont Blanc range in France to raise funds for St Leonard’s Hospice in York, where patients with life-threatening illnesses can receive care.
Both men had children at the village school, Poppleton Ousebank, and Mr Barber’s parents are understood to have run the Post Office before moving to York.
Estelle O’Hara, head teacher, wrote to parents yesterday informing them of the accident. She offered her sympathies to Mr Barber’s partner Donna Rodgers and Mr Taylor’s wife Karine.
She said: “It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that two of the climbers killed in yesterday’s avalanche in the French Alps were parents from Poppleton Ousebank – Steve Barber, father of Frankie in Year 5 and John Taylor, father of Emma in Year 5 and Louise in Year 3.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to both Donna Rogers and Karine Taylor who have both lost their lifelong partners.
“Children have been informed and school staff have been supporting them throughout the day, providing a caring shoulder and answering any questions that children may have.
“We would ask that people respect the families’ privacy at this sad time. We understand that the climb was to raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice and so we will be collecting on their behalf.”
Before he left for France, Mr Barber, 47, had raised £340 for the charity through his JustGiving website. The page was set up by his partner, who posted a photograph of him practising for the climb.
In messages left by donors, friends Mike and Helen Vest wrote: “Good Luck Steve, the Lake District will seem a bit tame after this! See you for a beer or three on your return.”
Carole Harland wrote: “Take great care getting up there and getting back down – there must be a much easier way – good luck Steve.”
Members of York Council paid tribute to the men. Leader of the council’s Conservative group, councillor Ian Gillies, who represents Upper Poppleton, said: “Devastated doesn’t cover it, really.
“I’m sure the people in the village and the wider community will provide the support the families need, not only now but for weeks to come.”
Councillor James Alexander, Labour leader of City of York Council, added: “I am deeply saddened by the news that two Poppleton residents lost their lives in Thursday’s avalanche in Chamonix, France.
“I would like to offer their families and friends my condolences and offer any support and assistance we can provide at this difficult time.”
The men were believed to have been climbing with Roger Payne, former president of the Association of British Mountain Guides, who was also killed.
Mr Payne’s family paid tribute to a man who they said “died doing what he loved”.
His brother Keith, 66, told The Daily Telegraph that his brother would never have taken any risks on the mountain.
Speaking from the home of their 92 year-old mother, Nellie, in Hammersmith, west London, he said: “Roger … would never take any chances, he was true professional.
“All I know is there was an avalanche and it was not expected, a freak of nature. Our mother … lives on her own.
“Every time there is an accident on a mountain she thinks of Roger – she is devastated.”
He added: “We will miss him greatly. He died doing what he loved doing. He will never be forgotten.”
Ed Douglas, a friend and fellow member of the British Mountaineering Council, wrote a moving tribute about Roger Payne, posted on the BMC’s website.
