Comedy World Mourns Philip Goodeve-Docker
Hammersmith events manager died in snowstorm in Greenland
Friends and colleagues in the world of comedy have been paying tribute to Hammersmith events manager Philip Goodeve-Docker, who has died after being caught in a snowstorm during a trek in Greenland.
Phiip, 31, who lived in Ealing, ran the Purple Cactus booking agency in Hammersmith Grove.
He was found dead last weekend by the Greenland police who were leading a rescue attempt after they received a distress signal from his party. The two other members of the party, Roan Hackney and Andy Norman, were taken in hospital where they were treated for frostbite and shock.
Philip took on the challenge in memory of his late grandfather, Patrick Pirie-Gordon, who was an honorary vice-president of the Royal Geographical Society, helping to fund polar explorations. He was also raising funds for The Queen's Nursing Institute.
Crystal Oldman, chief executive of The Queen’s Nursing Institute sais: " Our thoughts today are with Philip’s family. Philip died doing something that he had always dreamed of, undertaking a great challenge while helping others at the same time. Staff and trustees at the QNI are very shocked and saddened by this tragic loss but also immensely proud of him and his bravery.
" It is the charity’s intention not to let this tragic loss of life pass without creating a suitable and enduring memorial to Philip."
At the time of his death, Philip's JustGiving page had raised around £4,000 for the charity, which focuses on patient care in the community, but it has since more than doubled to approach £9,000 as hundreds of friends make donations in his memory.
They include the comedian Jason Manford, who wrote: "He was a really lovely man and was passionately trying to live out his dream of crossing the Greenland Icecap and in the process wanted to raise as much money for a charity close to his heart."
Close friend Adam Bloom is now planning an all-star benefit gig at the Comedy Store on July 22 to celebrate Philip's "brilliant life" and raise more funds for the charity. Comedian Adam says: " Phil was one of those magical, always happy people. Genuinely smiling all day and a true fan of comedy. He was one of my best friends."
Another comic, Garrett Millerick, who was his housemate at university, told the comedy website Chortle: "‘He was the perfect promoter, running a slick night, sold out crowd, and every one of his guys held there own. I remember marvelling at what he had achieved in such a short space of time. He was proud as punch of everyone he had convinced to try their hand and spent the night modestly hanging in the shadows letting everyone shine.
"He was a warm, generous, and incredibly supportive guy who gave a great start to so many people."
The three explorers were only on the second day of their 400 mile expedition when they were hit by a storm called a 'Piteraq'. On Friday night winds blew away the tent Mr. Goodeve-Docker was sharing with his companions on a glacier. They radioed for help but rescuers were not able to reach them until the following morning.
A helicopter found the group around 120 miles onto the ice-shelf but Mr. Goodeve-Docker was already dead.
Chief Inspector Paul Pitersen of the Greenland Police, who led the rescue, said that the group were unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He added:"It seems that they were caught up in a severe storm which is known here as a Piteraq, with strong winds and snow. It is quite rare but can happen at this time of year on the glacier. Their tent was blown partially away and they were exposed."
Philip's family have issued a statement on Facebook saying: "To our son, brother and friend, we are so glad that you were on your adventure and expedition that you had wanted to do for so long. You will be unbelievably missed and your memory cherished. xx "
May 2, 2013
