Parents of tragic Sheffield climber release walking book on anniversary of his death to 'keep spirit alive'

The parents of a Sheffield man who died in a climbing accident aged just 22 have released a book of walks to mark the anniversary of the tragedy.
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It is 10 years since James Brownhill from Lodge Moor, and his climbing partner David Evans lost their lives in the French Alps on July 1, 2011.

James’ parents Gary and Christine hope a new book of walks in the Peak District, many of which they enjoyed as a family, will ‘keep his name and spirit alive’ by helping others enjoy the natural beauty which brought him so much joy during his short life.

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The book of walks through the Hope and Edale valleys will also raise money for the James Brownhill Memorial Fund, which has provided more than 100 bursaries to help keen climbers like him develop their skills.

James Brownhill was just 22 when he died in a climbing accidentJames Brownhill was just 22 when he died in a climbing accident
James Brownhill was just 22 when he died in a climbing accident

Gary and Christine said: “We walked many of the routes as a family and James was particularly fond of Stanage Edge, where he and his brother Joe spent many hours climbing.

“We not only want to remember James but to keep his name and spirit alive by involving others in enjoying the Dark Peak, as he did.

“We know James would be honoured and humbled that anyone would buy the book in his name and very pleased that the surplus monies would be funding bursaries to provide training courses to guide volunteer mountaineering club leaders and put back something into a way of life that meant so much to him.

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"It's the same bitter, sweet and wholly satisfying way to keep him close to us, just as other people do with their loved ones, whilst enjoying his memory and contacting with many people who knew James and shared his life.”

Stanage Edge, where James Brownhill enjoyed climbing with his brother JoeStanage Edge, where James Brownhill enjoyed climbing with his brother Joe
Stanage Edge, where James Brownhill enjoyed climbing with his brother Joe

The book is titled James' Dark Peak Gems and all the walks it contains meet the route of the James Brownhill Challenge – measuring 22-and-¾-miles, one for each year of his life – which James’ family and friends completed in his memory in 2012 and have trodden every year since except during the lockdown last year.

There are long and short routes, both on lower ground and in the uplands, with a mixture of circular walks and linear ones finishing at a railway station.

“We wanted the book to also allow people to use it as a wider introduction to the area and create their own walks. So we have mentioned, within each walk, which other walks in the book are met to allow people to create their own walk,” said Gary and Christine.

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James had graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University as a physiotherapist just a few days before he died, and before university and during breaks from his studies he worked at the Decathlon store in Sheffield city centre, where there is a plaque in store, paid for by staff.

The book will raise money to pay for climbing bursaries in James Brownhill's memoryThe book will raise money to pay for climbing bursaries in James Brownhill's memory
The book will raise money to pay for climbing bursaries in James Brownhill's memory

His parents will be at the shop on Eyre Street this Saturday, May 29, to promote and sell the book.

James' Dark Peak Gems, priced £10, plus £2 postage, is available via www.jbmf.co.uk.

It is also on sale at a range of retailers including Broomhill Post Office, Outside (outdoor clothing retailer) in Hathersage, Valleyside Garden Centre on Manchester Road past Crosspool, Lodge Moor newsagents on Rochester Road and Wickwire on Nether Edge Road.