Family tribute to Haywards Heath Team GB fell runner: ‘He was doing what he loved’

The 43-year-old, who lived in Haywards Heath with his wife and two sons, was reported missing on Tuesday (October 27), after failing to return home from a run in Perth and Kinross, Scotland.

Police confirmed a body of a man had been found at 11.40am on Thursday (October 29), near to Meall Garbh in the Glenlyon area.

Ruth McKee, Chris’ cousin, sadly confirmed his death on Twitter on Friday (October 30).

She said: “On behalf of the entire family, we are devastated to let you know that Chris has lost his life in Glen Lyon.

“He was doing what he loved having spent the previous days having the most special time with Lindsay, Cameron and Alastair.

“We would like to thank everyone for the support they have given us, in particular the mountain rescue teams, emergency services, members of the public and Chris’s friends that joined the search.

“We will always treasure his energy, spirit and love.

“Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.”

Chris, who was originally from Daviot, Inverurie, Scotland, was visiting his sister and her family in Glasgow before taking a short holiday with his wife and sons in Perthshire.

He set off on a run from Invervar near Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross, at about 3pm on Tuesday.

The experienced fell runner, who was a member of Thames Valley Harriers, had planned to tackle a route encompassing four Munros – Meall nan Aighean, Carn Mairg, Meall Garbh and Carn Gorm and return home by 5pm.

Police, local mountain rescue teams and the Coastguard helicopter were deployed to find him.

Tributes have poured in for the athlete on social media.

Writing on the Mid Sussex Times’ Facebook page, Gemma Sadler said: “Utterly heartbroken for the family and his friends! So so tragic.”

Amanda France Browne also said: “Very sad to have heard this news, condolences to all his family and friends.”

Chris competed in international mountain running events for Team GB.

He helped secure Team GB a bronze medal in the 2016 European Mountain Running Championships in Italy.