THE fell-runner who collapsed and died on Holcombe Moor was today named as Frank Whittaker.
The father-of-two from Holcombe Brook died after suffering a heart attack while out running with a friend shortly after 7pm on Friday.
His family today said they were too upset to speak while they were struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Mr Whittaker and his friend had reached Pilgrim's Cross when he began struggling for breath and collapsed.
His friend ran to Holcombe Village and raised the alarm. Due to the isolated moorland location, a crew from Greater Manchester Ambulance Service called in members of the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team to pick up Mr Whittaker.
Unfortunately, the 64-year-old draughtsman, of Lumb Carr Avenue, was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner has been informed.
Mountain Rescue team leader Dave Barrington said: "His friend had a difficult choice, but decided to leave him to go for help. They were a mile-and-half off the road, so the victim really didn't stand a chance."
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