Sculpture of 'King of the Fells' to be auctioned

A sculpture of a late record-breaking veteran fell runner will be put up for auction to honour his legacy.

Joss Naylor, who was born in Cumbria and known as King of the Fells, died in June, aged 88.

The sheep farmer broke the Lake District 24-hour record three times and ran the fastest known times on the Three Peaks, Welsh 3,000ers and Pennine Way.

Now, a bronze resin sculpture of his head will be sold to raise money for the Wasdale Mountain Rescue team, which said he would "always be fondly remembered for his kindness, his good humour and contribution to fell running."

In 2008, Cumbrian-born professional sculptor, Paul Bainbridge, created two busts of Mr Naylor to celebrate his achievement of running 70 Lake District fells on his 70th birthday.

One of the busts was bought by Copeland Council and is on display at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, while Mr Bainbridge kept the second.

But, after hearing the news of Mr Naylor's death, Mr Bainbridge donated the second to raise money for the mountain rescue.

Mr Naylor served as Wasdale Mountain Rescue's honorary vice president and opened its new base in Gosforth, Cumbria, in 2018. He conducted the ribbon-cutting ceremony using sheep shearers and baler twine.

The fell runner was appointed an MBE for services to sport and charity in 2007.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue team member Richard Warren said Mr Naylor had supported the team in "so many different ways" over the years.

"It was such a very sad day for us all when we heard that Joss had passed away," he said.

"A legend is so apt in describing his life.

"He will always be fondly remembered for his kindness, his good humour and contribution to fell running, and his ongoing support for the mountain rescue volunteers."

Mitchell's Auction Company of Cockermouth will host the charity auction in their Antiques and Fine Art sale on 11-13 September.

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