Tributes paid to man who 'lived a life full of adventure'

Titch Kavanagh passed away at his home at the end of last month. 

Titch was mountain climbing in 2005 when he suffered a horrific fall and lay in a coma for a month - but despite his injuries, he remained active with many community groups in the area.

His loved ones remember Titch fondly, and a celebration of his life will be held at the end of this month.

Born in 1963, Titch was the youngest of five.

He spent his childhood with his family in Essex, County Mayo and Basingstoke.

In 1980, he returned to Essex and completed an apprenticeship in car mechanics. 

By 1984, Titch took himself to the Lake District to work in outdoor education.

This is where he met his partner Judy Connor, who he shared adventures and family with for a large chunk of his life. 

Titch and Judy lived in Bradford from 1991 and had two children, Arwen - born Tess - and Em - born Emily.

Titch worked supporting homeless people in Bradford and as a community development worker with Bradford Council.

In a statement released to the Telegraph & Argus, Titch's family said: "He balanced being a caring dad and partner alongside being an active member of his community and also keeping up his passions of exploring and adventuring. 

"Climbing, running and cycling were all big hobbies of Titch's.

"He went on many climbing expeditions, including climbing previously unclimbed peaks in the Himalayas to many closer-to-home trips with friends and groups such as Red Rope Socialist Walking and Climbing Club.

"He cycled from Argentina to Canada with Judy in 1985 and campaigned for better cycle lanes around Bradford through being part of Bradford Cycling Action Group.

"In 2005, Titch had a near-fatal ice climbing accident on Cadair Idris, Wales, which shaped the next 20 years of his life.

"He suffered serious head injuries, visual impairment and broken bones.

Much-loved Titch will be missed by many (Image: Submitted)

"Since then, Titch stayed involved and active within many local community groups, however his physical and cognitive impairments strongly affected his life."

The family added: "With Titch's passing, we've had tales sent to us from friends from so many parts of his life, and the common theme is always his sense of humour, companionship and involvement in community.

"Titch will be very missed, but we know just how much his silly, caring and defiant energies have been passed on to us, and that so many people he touched through his life will carry a bit of that cheeky energy with them too."

In 2008, the Telegraph & Argus reported how Titch returned to the scene of his climbing accident to meet and thank one of his rescuers, Snowdonia National Park ranger David Williams.

Titch said at the time: "I gave him a big hug and thanked him.

"He was as happy as I was."

Celebration of Titch's life and fundraising in his memory

Titch's family would like to spread an invitation for anyone who knew him to join a celebration of his life.

It will be held at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on April 29.

A celebration of Titch's life will be held at the end of April (Image: Submitted)

Titch's family said: "We'd like to invite you to bring photos and memories of Titch to add to a wall of remembrance."

People are invited to dress as they wish. No flowers are requested.

There will be tea, coffee and cake at the celebration of life, and Titch's family will also be collecting donations for causes close to his heart.

Those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 07598983686.

A JustGiving page has also been set up in Titch's memory to raise £1,000 to give to charities and organisations he would have supported.

The page states: "Titch will be missed by so many in Bradford and beyond.

"In many ways lots of us lost Titch 19 years ago when he had his climbing accident on Cadair Idris.

"However, Titch held on to so much of his defiant, light-hearted and caring outlook on life, and still spent lots of his time involved in community spaces in recent years."

The JustGiving page can be found via www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/judy-connor-1