Lydia Press

Kent | Died in 2008

Former president of Oxford University Mountaineering Club, Lydia Press, died on 2 May, 2008, in an accident in the French Alps.

The 24-year-old, from Edenbridge, Kent, was killed after she fell near the summit of Tour Ronde in the Chamonix Mountains.

Lydia had studied Earth Sciences at Oxford and graduated last summer.

Her boyfriend, French national Arnaud Viel, 26, was also involved in the accident and was taken to Chamonix Hospital with leg injuries.

A statement on the mountaineering club's website said: "Lydia was a popular and valuable member of the Club, who during the last five years had not only become a very talented all-round climber but had also given so much to the Committee, helping to introduce many of our current members to the sport.

"Our deepest sympathies go to all of Lydia's family and the many friends she leaves behind."

Your Memories

Lydia and I met through singing in Schola and I will cherish the memories I have of her from the four years we knew each other. She's adventurous, intelligent, witty, compassionate and always willing to try new things; a real inspiration and the sort of girl who encourages others to push the boundaries.

I remember on tour in Argentina that we'd argue with the local taxi drivers and always be the ones lumbered with the task of complaining about things as the only spanish speakers. We drank lots of red wine, ate steak and she'd oblige me by playing my ridiculous games on the long bus journies. I have particularly poignant memories (and video evidence somewhere) of a banquet we had at some random woman's house in Argentina where the pair of us struggled to sing the "purple balloon" song. She also rescued me from many lecherous men in the mi longa.

Lydia, I had so much fun when I was with you and I'll remember you always. You know why!

With love and prayers to the Press family.

Grace x Grace Ang-Lygate — 09.05.2008
This tribute was published on 06.05.2008

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