Husband's tribute to wife killed in fall (From Oxford Mail)

Husband's tribute to wife killed in fall

5:58pm Thursday 22nd January 2009 in Search By Tom Shepherd

A grieving husband whose wife of less than six months was killed after slipping and falling 100ft in the Lake District has spoken of his unbearable loss.

Kirsty Densham, 35, of Peel Place, Oxford, died scrambling with two friends at Westmorland Cragg on Great Gable in the Lake District on January 2.

The couple, who met on a trip to Skye and Kintail in 2006, married in June last year.

Speaking for the first time since his wife’s death, Chris, 41, an engineer at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, near Didcot, said: “Kirsty was a beautiful bride, a lovely wife and a charming and thoughtful companion. When I wake up and find she’s gone it breaks my heart.

“We did so many wonderful things together and I miss her so much.

“We had a lovely wedding on Midsummer’s Day. We were both so happy. Our first — and last — six months of marriage were very special.”

Kirsty’s father, mother and brother all spoke at her funeral, at Oxford Town Hall last Friday, while Oxford Mountaineering Club members posted messages in memory of their fellow climber on the club’s website.

They said she was “fun-loving and adventurous”.

Friend Julie Cooke wrote: “I’ll remember Kirsty as really good company — a fun-loving person, always ready to laugh but with a serious and passionate side to her nature. I will miss her.”

OMC member John Cardy added: “Kirsty lit us up with her good spirits and enthusiasm.”

Fellow club member Abby White said she cursed the mountain that had taken her friend’s life.

She wrote: “Kirsty, you will always have a place in my heart.

“I am just grateful to have had the opportunity to have known you, and you and Chris together as a couple.”

Kirsty worked for educational publisher Pearson Education.

She suffered severe head and chest injuries and never regained consciousness. Her fellow climbers administered first aid, but were unable to save her life.

Later, a helicopter from RAF Boulmer took her to Whitehaven Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dr Densham, who was walking with a friend on a neighbouring mountain when the accident happened, said: “Kirsty had over 20 years’ experience of hill walking, scrambling and outdoor activities.

“The weather conditions on the day were dry, with sunny periods and good visibility. We have no idea why she fell in such an exposed position, but she did.

“When I kissed Kirsty goodbye that morning, I never had the slightest idea the next time I kissed her lips they would be as cold as ice.”

l To make a donation in Kirsty’s memory, visit the website wasdale-mountain-rescue.org.uk or alzheimers.org.uk tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk