THE memory of a man tragically killed while climbing Scafell Pike is helping saves lives thanks to the generosity of his family and friends.

Chris Brown died in June and since his death, his grieving family and friends have carried out a raft of fundraisers to keep his memory alive.

They recently hit a cash milestone and donated the money to the search and rescue heroes who scoured the fells for hours searching for the 35-year-old postman from Parton in Whitehaven.

The money has been used to buy a new repeater box which will give Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team greater coverage of the rural area – especially black spots at the top of Eskdale.

Phil Hall, one of the team leaders who was involved in the gruelling search for Mr Brown, who is originally from Maryport, said the team was extremely thankful.

“I was one of the team leaders searching for Chris and I met his family,” he said. “They are really good people and we are grateful for their ongoing support.

“Lives will undoubtedly be saved by this new equipment.

“It gives us the ability to get to the area more quickly, to get rescue equipment there quicker and to keep track of our teams better.”

The bulk of the money raised for the box came from close friend Craig Marsh, who took part in the Scafell Marathon and raised £1,500.

Money was also raised from Mr Brown’s funeral collection along with other donations.

Mr Brown’s wife, Sam, said the fundraisers were keeping her husband’s legacy alive.

A charity night organised by Sam, Mr Brown’s brother Tony, and his sister-in-law Faye, sold out after just two days.

It is called “Be More Chris” – a tribute to the character of a man who tried, in life, to be all he could be and who, in death, has left a legacy to follow.

It takes place on October 26 at Energus, Lillyhall, with proceeds shared between both Wasdale and Duddon search and rescue teams.

Mr Hill said the Wasdale team will use the money “in a way befitting to the family and Chris”.

When Mr Brown, who has a young daughter, died, hundreds of tributes were paid to him most calling him a true gentleman.

In his last social media post, written from the top of Scafell Pike, the retained fireman said: “For a brief moment in time I am currently the highest person on land in the whole of England.”

A few hours later his wife put out a plea for anyone who had seen her husband to get in touch as he had not been in contact.

Search and rescue teams, family, friends and fire service colleagues turned out to search but Mr Brown was found dead early the next morning near Chambers Crag.

Mr Brown and his wife were married for just over a year.

The couple hit the headlines as their big day was the same as Prince Harry and Meghan Markles – but Mr Brown said he chose the day first.