Funeral To Be Held For Ex-RAF Officer Who Died On Italian Mountain

Ted Atkins at High Camp in Everest, 2001 (Picture: Heavy Whalley).

The funeral is to be held for a former RAF officer who was killed descending a mountain in Italy.

Ian Atkins, known as Ted, was described as a "legend in the RAF Mountain Rescue Service" by friend and former work-colleague, David 'Heavy' Whalley in his blog.

It is believed Mr Atkins was killed whilst descending the Civetta, in the Dolomites.

Mr Whalley said he received a phone call from Nev Taylor who was with Mr Atkins when "descending the steep path after completing a via ferrata route".

In 2001, as a Flight Lieutenant, Mr Atkins led a group of servicemen on a four-month long Everest North ridge expedition, earning sponsorship and authority for the challenge. 

Mr Whalley also recalled a memory of Mr Atkins on another trip to Everest where he sailed "at over 20,000 feet in the glacial lake just below Advanced Base Camp in true Ted style!" 

He also said the achievement went down as a world record, stating the Ministry of Defence were "not impressed" with the RAF, rather than the Royal Navy, breaking the record for the highest boat in the world.

Mr Atkins ended up being an Officer in the RAF, going on to run the Mountain Rescue Teams, a job that he "loved", according to Mr Whalley.

After leaving the RAF, Mr Atkins set up his own oxygen-supplying business in Nepal.

On his post, Mr Whalley said: "He (Mr Atkins) was so wild with his ideas but so incredibly practical and clever. 

"A true adventurer and lover of life. Ted was everything we all want to be in one huge exciting bundle, he did things that so many dream about was always pushing it and life to max. We will miss him."

Mr Whalley said a "celebration of Ted’s life will take place in the UK at a date to be confirmed in the future".