News Beat
Bolton Mountain Rescue Team former leader dies at 75
Geoff Seddon served in his first large incident in 1973 when he joined around 350 volunteers in the search for a missing pharmacist in the Ogwen Valley, North Wales.
He joined Bolton Mountain Rescue Team shortly after it was first formed in 1969 – aged just 19 – and served as an operational member until his death last week at the age of 75 after a “short but brutal battle with cancer”.
Geoff was team leader of the BMRT from September 1973 until March 1981, and served as chairman of the Mid-Pennine Mountain Accident Panel (now known as the Mid-Pennine Search and Rescue Organisation).
From 1992 until 2014 he was deputy team leader of the BMRT, and after standing down he was made a Life Vice-President of the rescue organisation.
In April 1991, in his most memorable search – Geoff found a six-year-old boy who had been missing overnight in the Trough of Bowland.
He was involved in thousands of search and rescue incidents and active in front-line duties right up until his passing.
He was a qualified Rescue 3 Water Rescue Instructor and involved in the response to flooding at Stockport and Didsbury on New Year’s Day 2025 – assisting in the rescue of over 500 people from flooded properties.
As recently as in October 2025, he was involved in the search for a missing 13-year-old in darkness on Holcombe Moor and the rescue of a 15-year-old from Cox Green quarry in Egerton.
Geoff married Gill in 1974 and was the father of three children – Felicity, Ted and Tom – and grandfather to Mateo and Ruby.
He was an avid outdoor enthusiast, member of Bolton Canoe Club, a Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme instructor and a member of staff for Bolton Council’s Youth Service instructing young people in outdoor activities.
Geoff was awarded 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 was awarded the Mountain Rescue England and Wales 50 years’ service certificate, and in 2024 was awarded the Mountain Rescue England and Wales 55 years’ service certificate by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.
In May 2025, in recognition of his support for Mountain Rescue, Geoff attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace with his daughter Felicity.
A spokesperson for BMRT said: “The team is devastated to announce the death of Geoff Seddon, following a short but brutal battle with cancer.
“Geoff was a stalwart of Bolton MRT and contributor to mountain rescue regionally and nationally for more than 56 years.
“Never assuming, always quick-witted, humorous, and of impeccable integrity, Geoff was a hero and legend to family, friends and everyone in Bolton MRT.
“He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
