Haworth mountain climber Simon Turner-Bottomley had achieved a life-long ambition in reaching the summit of the Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland before he tragically fell to his death last July, a Bradford inquest heard yesterday afternoon.

Coroner Roger Whittaker heard how Mr Turner-Bottomley's wife Marolyn watched from the resort of Zermatt at the foot of the mountain as her husband climbed and began to make his way down.

Eye witnesses working on a wooden building on the mountain spoke of seeing him fall to his death.

Dr John Burton, the dead man's GP and friend, medical advisor to the Cave and Rescue Organisation, told the court Mr Turner-Bottomley - who was 41 - was an extremely fit and healthy man who always prepared thoroughly for his climbs.

He had previously climbed mountains in England and Scotland and other peaks in the Matterhorn range to prepare for his ascent of the Matterhorn, having made several other solo attempts.

Mr Whittaker, recording a verdict of misadventure said Mr Turner- Bottomley had suffered severe injuries to his skull and brain which would have meant instant death.

He had prepared well for this particular climb but climbing was a dangerous activity and even more so for solo climbers. He expressed his sympathy to Mrs Turner-Bottomley and her family.

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