COUNCILLORS have voiced a moving tribute to the popular Carlisle man who died in the Dixon’s Chimney tragedy.
As Phil Longcake’s family continued to raise cash for a local mental health charity, Carlisle City Council confirmed that he worked for the authority, and councillors formally expressed their appreciation for his work.
The highly public nature of the tragedy has left Carlisle shocked, prompting a flood of tributes to the 53-year-old on social media.
During its meeting on Tuesday night, councillors and officials put on record their thanks for Mr Longcake’s work. Jason Gooding, Carlisle City Council’s chief executive, said: “Phil was a valued member of staff, his contribution and professionalism was valued by his colleagues and friends. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Following Mr Longcake’s death, his family began fundraising for Carlisle Eden Mind. They have already raised more than £12,000. They had revealed how he had battled with his mental health before he died.
Hundreds of bystanders watched last week as fire crews, steeplejacks, and high-altitude rope rescue specialists from Lancashire tried to save him.
Emergency crews reached him from a 90-metre cherry picker brought from Glasgow. Despite hopes he had survived, Mr Longcake had died by the time he was brought down.
In a heartfelt statement, the family said: “In light of recent events, there has been an outpouring of love and support from friends, family and complete strangers which has been comforting to the family at this tragic time.
“We would like to try and make something positive come out of this and shine a light on mental health as it can affect anyone. It does not discriminate and nobody should have to go through something so heartbreaking.
“Phil was a strong, brave man who achieved a lot in his short life.
“Sadly, due to recent disclosures he made about historic trauma he suffered, Phil was battling with his mental health, with the love and support of his family and health professionals whilst trying to overcome this.”
The JustGiving appeal is at www.justgiving.com/fundrais
ing/rob-laura-longcake
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