A former Manchester City doctor tragically fell to his death from the very same spot where he proposed to his wife 27 years earlier, an inquest has heard.
54-year-old Dr Jamie Butler – who was from Altrincham, and previously had worked at Manchester City, Sale Sharks Rugby Club, and Altius Healthcare throughout his career – popped the question on the famous Striding Edge side of the Lake District’s third highest peak, Helvellyn, all the way back in 1994.
But when he and his wife Margaret decided to relive the romantic moment all over again by returning their last November, this was when Jamie sadly died.
Cockermouth Coroner’s Court heard that the couple had been walking together up the mountain, but when they reached Striding Edge, Mrs Butler stopped to catch her breath and she told of watching her husband disappear into the mist as he went on to find the spot.
After he had been gone for a while, Mrs Butler shouted after him, but got no response and eventually became “concerned something had happened to him”, so she called police.
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Due to poor visibility during the misty weather, the court heard that the GP fell and was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene after suffering significant injuries, including a fractured skull.
Dr Jamie Butler fell to his death from the famous Striding Edge side of the Lake District’s third highest peak, Helvellyn / Credit: Geograph (Alan O’Dowd)
Mountain rescuers later found his body below the ridge, and the coroner concluded that his death was an accident.
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Mrs Butler paid tribute to her husband, who she said “was a loving husband with two twin boys that he adored.”
“He died doing what he loved [and] he will be forever missed,” she concluded.
Doug Jones – Head Physiotherapist at Altius Healthcare in Hale, who worked with Dr Butler at Sale Sharks when he was part of the physio team – paid tribute to him in a statement to the Daily Mail: “He was a really fantastic guy who didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone. He was very loved by the staff and players at both Sale and Man City… you just couldn’t not warm to him.”
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Dr Butler was also described as a “wonderful guy who will be very missed by his friends and family”.
Featured Image – Altius Healthcare
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Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
14th February 2022 
