FAMILY and friends alike have been shocked to learn of the death, following a short illness, of Dr Stephen Wright who grew up in Silsden.

Aged just 42, Stephen passed away in the Philippines where he had been living and working in recent years.

During his happy times while living in SIlsden, Stephen made a particularly impressive mark as an athlete and fell runner. Indeed, he had already emerged to widespread prominence shortly before starting South Craven School when he won the Under 12s Crag Race at Kilnsey Show which that year attracted a massive attendance of over 17,000.

That performance marked just the start of a notable run of success in similar events across the North of England and Scotland right up to and including him winning senior races. In amongst it all - when still at South Craven – he had also won Harrogate-Craven and North Yorkshire Schools Cross-Country titles.

After leaving South Craven School Stephen studied maths at Durham University and then attained a PHD at Leeds University prior to him embarking upon a varied employment career, firstly in London where he worked in medical research.

It was in London where Stephen diversified from his prime social interest of athletics, as he displayed a similar zest for rock and ice-climbing. And, as a member of Croydon climbing club – including him being its chairman – he conquered some of the toughest climbing challenges in the British Isles and also in the Pyrenees.

Never one though to let the grass grow under his feet, his ventures into France also resulted in him setting up residence there - at Toulouse – where he worked for the meteorological office before another career move to Dubai.

It was while in Dubai that Stephen also took an interest in deep sea diving and he subsequently trained and succeeded as a diving instructor. This accomplishment then opened the door of a career opportunity in the Philippines where he introduced international tourists to the sights and delights of the deep ocean.

Sadly though, - while living life to the full – he suddenly fell ill and passed away in the Philippines where he will now be laid to rest.

Stephen’s family however have organised a celebration of life, on Saturday from 3pm, at the Punch Bowl, SIlsden, where all his pals are invited to share memories of a lad, forever recognised as an immensely popular personality.

Roger Ingham M.B.E.