Bolton Mountain Rescue Team has announced the death of veteran volunteer Geoff Seddon, saying the team is devastated following what it described as a short but brutal battle with cancer.
In a statement, the team said it was announcing the death of Mr Seddon with deep sadness, describing him as a stalwart of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and a contributor to mountain rescue both regionally and nationally for more than 56 years.
Mr Seddon joined Bolton MRT in 1969 aged 19, shortly after the team was formed, and served continuously as an operational member until his death last week at the age of 75.
The team said he served as Team Leader from September 1973 until March 1981 and later as chairman of the Mid Pennine Mountain Accident Panel, now known as the Mid Pennine Search and Rescue Organisation. From 1992 to 2014 he held the role of Deputy Team Leader and on standing down was appointed a Life Vice President of Bolton MRT.
Alongside his rescue work, the statement highlighted his family life, saying he had time for family throughout his service, marrying his wife Gill in 1974 and becoming father to Felicity, Ted and Tom, and grandfather to Mateo and Ruby.
It added that he was an avid outdoor enthusiast, a member of Bolton Canoe Club, a Duke of Edinburgh award scheme instructor, and a former member of staff with Bolton Council Youth Service, where he instructed young people in outdoor activities. More recently, he worked with independent providers of youth outdoor education.
Mr Seddon attended his first large incident in 1973, when he joined around 350 mountain rescue volunteers searching for a missing pharmacist in the Ogwen Valley in North Wales. The team said his most memorable search came in April 1991, when he found a six year old boy who had been missing overnight in the Trough of Bowland.
Despite decades of experience, the statement said he had not stepped back from front line duties. It said he remained very active both on the hill and on water and was a qualified Rescue 3 Water Rescue Instructor, a physically demanding role.
The team said he was involved in water based responses to flooding in Stockport and Didsbury on New Year’s Day 2025, assisting in the rescue of more than 500 people from flooded properties. His most recent land rescues were in October 2025, during a search for a missing 13 year old on Holcombe Moor, and the rescue of a 15 year old from Cox Green quarry in Egerton.
Bolton MRT said Mr Seddon shared his knowledge, wisdom and experience with new and established team members alike, delivering training for Bolton MRT and other regional teams. It said this was always tempered with experience and dry wit, often concluded over a roll up or a pint in the pub afterwards.
He received the Horwich Civic Medal in 2003 and had been awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 and the King’s Coronation Medal in 2023. In 2019 he received the Mountain Rescue England and Wales 50 years’ service certificate, followed by a 55 years’ service certificate in 2024, presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.
In May 2025, the team said Mr Seddon attended a Buckingham Palace garden party with his daughter Felicity in recognition of his support for mountain rescue.
Describing him, the statement said he was “never assuming, always quick witted, humorous, and of impeccable integrity” and added that he was “a hero and legend to family, friends and everyone in Bolton MRT”.
The team said he will be deeply missed by all who knew him and confirmed that funeral details will be shared when known.
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