A new climbing competition in Morpeth has honoured the life of physicist Bruce Marsh, a Northumberland native who died in a climbing accident in France in December 2023. The Bruce Marsh Award took place at the recently opened Coliseum Bouldering Centre.
Competition details
Friends and family of the Morpeth-raised man came together with the Coliseum Bouldering Centre for the competition. Friends including Nate Jenkins helped put together a prize fund of £1,200, while Bruce's father Alan presented trophies in four categories to keen climbers. The event is hoped to be an annual tradition.
Family and friends' tributes
Matty Heron, who opened the Coliseum with his dad Gary last year, said: "We got talking with Alan and Joyce. They got in touch with us. The idea was they wanted to do something to honour Bruce and to get everyone uplifted. Talking to Alan and Joyce today, and some of Bruce's friends, they've said this is exactly what he would have wanted."
Bruce's father Alan added: "When we heard this place was to open in Morpeth we got in touch. We felt that if there was some way we could continue Bruce's legacy that would be a good idea. And so we have had this event which we hope will be an annual thing. It's so great to see all of the youngsters here."
Joyce Marsh continued: "It's been a great success. It's been brilliant and Matty has done a brilliant job."
Bruce's life and legacy
Bruce Alan Marsh was an expert in lasers at the world-famous institute CERN in Geneva. At the time of his death, he had been three months away from marrying partner Yisel, while his daughter Oliana was still an infant. An inquest found his death had been an accident. Friends and colleagues spoke glowingly of his impact on the people around him. Paul Campbell, a senior lecturer at Manchester University, said: "He was simply brilliant - both academically and socially."
