Tributes made to BirdLife staff member

21-02-2006

On Sunday 19 February, BirdLife's Kate Stokes died tragically while on an excursion to the Picos de Europa mountain range in northern Spain. Kate and her partner, Rob Rippengal, who also died, were caught out by a severe weather storm.

Kate worked as the Programme Officer for the BP Conservation Programme. Since 2002 she was instrumental in developing the programme and helping thousands of young conservationists gain experience in practical conservation.

Dr Mike Rands, BirdLife's Director said, "Everyone at BirdLife was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news about Kate and Robert, and we extend our deepest sympathies to their families and friends. Kate was a fantastically dedicated and popular member of staff, and we can’t begin to describe how empty the office will seem without her."

Marianne Carter, the BP Conservation Programme Manager added, "We are all so shocked about the tragic news. Kate was a fun, compassionate and loving person who will be missed so much by my team and the whole BP Conservation Programme partnership, to which she brought such energy and drive. It's a huge loss and things won't ever be the same without her. Our thoughts are with Kate and Rob's family and friends."