A doctor who died in a rock climbing accident in Snowdonia has been described by her husband as a “passionate rock climber who loved the Welsh landscape”.
Dr Vun Lim, 51, a consultant Rheumatologist and Educational Supervisor at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital was out climbing on Dinas Mot on June 28, when she slipped and banged her head.
A rescue operation was launched by Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Rescue 936 helicopter.
After sustaining a serious head injury, Dr Lim, was flown to Stoke hospital.
But the keen rock climber, originally from the Sabah province of Borneo, Malaysia, later died of her injuries.
Her husband, Ian Dunning, has now thanked the team at Llanberis Mountain Rescue, who “did their best to save her life”.
A message posted on Facebook by Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, written by Ian, says: “Thanks to everyone who donated to the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team following the death of Dr Vun Lim, consultant rheumatologist at Wrexham Maelor Hospital , who suffered a fatal injury while rock climbing in Snowdonia this June.
“£2,000 in donations were received after her funeral last week.
“Dr Lim, originally from Malaysia, was a passionate rock climber who loved the Welsh landscape.
“Her husband Ian, who set up the donation scheme, would like to thank everyone involved at the scene of the accident and afterwards who did their best to save her life.”
Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, added: “All of us at Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Ian and all of Vun’s family and friends.”
A JustGiving page has also been set up in her memory by her friend, Clare Chambers, who described Dr Lim as having “an enthusiasm for life” and a ”subtle sense of humour”.
More than £1,400 has been raised so far, which will also be donated to the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team.
Dr Lim, who had a MSc in Sports Medicine, attended school in Singapore before doing her medical training in Belfast and Leicester. She was appointed consultant rheumatologist at Wrexham Maelor in 2004.
She had been rock climbing for more than ten years and had become a well-known member of the north Wales climbing community.
She regularly entered - and won - bouldering competitions at the Climbing Hangar in Liverpool, and spent much of her free time in the summer climbing outdoors in Snowdonia and along the coast.
She was particularly interested in promoting climbing as an activity for people in later life.
Following the news of Dr Lim’s death , heartfelt tributes have flooded in on the Daily Post Facebook page, with many describing her as a “lovely lady” and a “fantastic” doctor.
Fiona Cliffe wrote: “So sad. I went 24 years without diagnosis before I saw this lady.
“She was so dedicated in finding out the cause of my illness and a lovely lady with it. R.I.P.”
Niall Allen said: “She was the specialist that has helped me immensely over the last 5 years. I can’t believe this has happened to her.
“A truly lovely lady, professional, pleasant, nice to chat with as she was so calming to speak with.
“Her team that have been helping me are what the NHS is all about. Her loss is a massive blow to the hospital, myself and obviously her family and friends.
“I’m grateful to have met her and be treated by her.”
Sandie Cameron said Dr Lim was a “fantastic rheumatologist”.
Irene Hodgkinson added: “So very sad. She was my specialist for the last 12 years a lovely lady and so very caring rest in peace lovely lady.”
Gladys Crawford commented: “So sad to hear this. She has looked after me for 10 years. A lovely lady caring always. Goodnight and god bless.”
Paul Rees wrote: “Sad to hear. To those in the helicopter I raise my hat.
“They are true heroes. Thank you for all you do.”
Diana Croucher-Jones, said that her death is a “tragic loss”.
“How desperately sad. The mountain rescue teams and associated emergency services are amazing.”
Julie Bird, who described Dr Lim as a “very caring doctor”, added: “I saw this doctor years ago and I wouldn’t have a diagnosis if it wasn’t for her. A lovely lady and very caring doctor.”
Debra Silcock said: “What a terrible waste of an amazing Doctor, so sad.”
In a statement issued by BCUHB, Evan Moore, Executive Medical Director, described Dr Lim as a “valued and much loved colleague” who was a “highly skilled and respected Rheumatologist”.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with her family at this terrible time,” he added.
