News emerged earlier this week of the passing of PC David Rathband, who was found dead at his home in Blyth.

In July 2010, the British police officer was shot and blinded by the gunman Raoul Moat, as he sat in his patrol car in Newcastle.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who had met the officer, described him as an “extraordinarily brave man”, adding:

After his horrific injuries he did an enormous amount for charity and other injured police officers, and for families who had lost police officers in the line of duty.

Ray Mears, who assisted in the search for Raoul Moat in 2010, said the following:

I was deeply saddened at the news of PC David Rathband’s death. He was an extremely brave man, who was victim to a tragic injury. His case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers which our police officers can face on a daily basis. My condolences go out to his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

If you’ve been enjoying Ray’s current ITV series, Wild Britain with Ray Mears, you can now watch exclusive bonus video content on the ITV Wild website, via the link below:

Ray Mears will be appearing at The Forum this October, giving a talk as part of this year’s Cheltenham Literature Festival:

 

 

 

 

 

Ray Mears at The Forum
Friday October 7, 2011, 20:45 pm

The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival promises a feast of literary treats with more than 600 of the world’s greatest writers, poets, politicians, thinkers and actors heading to the Regency town. Now in its 62nd year, 2011 promises the most ambitious and varied programme to date, with BAFTA-award winning actress Joanna Lumley, musician and radio broadcaster Jarvis Cocker, presenter and film critic Jonathan Ross and comedian Frank Skinner all taking to the Cheltenham stage.

Instantly familiar from TV series such as Bushcraft Survival and Northern Wilderness, bushcraft expert Ray Mears has tested his survival skills all over the world, whilst exploring the traditional cultures of indigenous peoples and following in the footsteps of noted explorers. In a hugely enjoyable event he looks back on some of his enthralling adventures.

For further information, or to reserve your ticket, please visit the following link:

Event information and bookings

Ray Mears will be appearing at Gawsworth Hall’s Open Air Theatre this summer, to present An Evening with Ray Mears. This fantastic venue will play host to Ray’s talk on 7th August, for which tickets are now available.

Gawsworth Hall's Open Air Theatre

Britain’s best known Bushman, survival expert, and star of numerous TV series is back at Gawsworth, following his 2008 sell-out show. Once more he’ll be sharing his experiences from the world’s most extreme environments.

 Fore full details, please visit gawsworthhall.com or call the box office on 01260 223456.

Ray Mears on location during the filming of Wild Britain

Exclusive, hour-long episodes of Ray’s most recent series, Wild Britain with Ray Mears, are to be shown shortly on the Sky channel Eden. The series, which was originally aired on ITV 1 last year in 30 minute slots, will now be shown on Eden with additional, never-seen-before footage on each episode.

The series begins this coming Monday, 4th April; for exact showing times, please visit the following link:

When is it on?