I'm very saddened to share the news that John Alcock died on June 24.

Those who knew him – he completed 15 crossings, 11 with Mary – will recall what an inspiring, genuinely lovely, gentle chap he was, with a great sense of humour.

Mary sent the following email yesterday:

"It is with great sadness that we are writing to let you know that John died yesterday morning. You will probably know that he had been suffering from prostate cancer for more than seven years. For the last few months he became very frail but was uncomplaining, and happy to be cared for at home in familiar surroundings, where he died very peacefully and comfortably.

"There will be a Thanksgiving Service for John at 11.30am on Saturday 13th July at St. Catherine’s Church Crook followed by refreshments and chat in the Memorial Hall at Crook which is nearby.

"Best wishes from
"Mary; Catherine; James; Robert and Rachel"

Steph and I bumped into John and Mary outside the Clova in 2008 and it was then we learned about John's prostate cancer, which we were told was inoperable. He remained such a cheerful, good natured soul and I found it inspiring how he continued to tackle such things as the Challenge despite such a rotten prognosis.

Love and condolences to Mary and family from Bridge End; I'm sure John already has his tent pitched somewhere idyllic for the evening, and is toasting life.

I am very sorry indeed to hear of the passing of John, yet another of the Challenge truly greats now no longer with us. My deepest condolenses to Mary and the family.

Colin

I have met John & Mary many times over the years and they were always unfailingly cheerful & marvelous company. Over these years they have become firm friends.

John was a real gentle man, kind and bright. I am sure we will all miss him.
Much love to Mary and your family

Alan
x

We are really sad to hear of the passing of another true gentleman of the Challenge family. It was always a pleasure to bump into John and Mary on or off the hill when he would always have a good story. During his illness he was very positive and determined to carry on as normal.

Our love and best wishes to Mary and the family.

John & Norma

A fine and honourable man, filled with with dignity and grace. John embodied the very finest aspects of the Challenge, and we are lessened by his passing. Warmest regards to Mary and the family in these times.

Sad news.
But.
Just to be clear, and to ensure that those attending don't end up in the wrong part of the country, I'm assuming that the service is at St Catherine's in Crook,near Kendal in Cumbria and not St. Catherine's in Crook, Co Durham. (Both Crooks have parish churches dedicated to St Catherine, it would seem)

Blimey - thank you very much Mike!! How strange that both Crooks should have churches dedicated to St. Catherine. Yes ..... our Crook is a lovely, country, linear village just outside Kendal whereas the "other Crook" is not as scenic!!!!(That is being polite)

Thank you for thinking of us all - John was ready to go but kept his marbles to the end and even followed closely the happenings of the last Challenge.

John and Mary were key people in making the Challenge a memorable experience for us. Imagine being invited to the Allcock home after just chatting on the train up to Lochailort. A friendly Challenger if ever there was one! We shall remember him always. Our sincere condolences.