Family of man who died on chimney pay tribute

THE FAMILY of a man who died after becoming trapped at the top of a 270ft chimney have paid tribute to the “strong” and “brave” grandfather.

In a statement, the family of Robert Philip Longcake, known as Phil, said he had been “battling with his mental health”.

Emergency services were called to Dixon’s Chimney in Carlisle, Cumbria just after 2.20am on Monday following reports a man was trapped.

Mr Longcake, aged 53, was pronounced dead at the scene at about 4.45pm after a specialist working-at-height team used ropes and a cherry picker to winch him down. A helicopter had attempted a rescue earlier but the operation was aborted.

His family said: “Phil was a strong, brave man who achieved a lot in his short life. Sadly, due to recent disclosures he made about historic trauma he suffered, Phil was battling with his mental health, with the love and support of his family and health professionals whilst trying to overcome this.

“He was a keen motorcyclist and would often spend weekends away with his son, Robert.

“He loved fell walking with his dog, Ted, and was a passionate musician who played the guitar, piano and accordion.

They said he loved to sing and did his own covers of popular music.

The statement went on to say: “Phil was a fantastic granddad to his three grandchildren, James, George and William. They adored him.

“Phil had many wonderful and happy times with his family, and these memories will be treasured by his loved ones.”

The family said he would be much missed by his wife Andrea, children Robert and Laura and other family and friends.

They asked for donations to mental health charity Mind.