THE chairman of a West Cumbrian mental health charity has stepped down from his role after being rushed to hospital.

Dr Brian Campbell has announced his retirement from Mind West Cumbria.

It comes after he was admitted to hospital on Friday, due to an ongoing health condition, which he is currently being treated for.

Dr Campbell said: “This is my third emergency admission in recent months and as well as my specific health condition, I am also becoming increasingly hard of hearing, so I feel that now is the time for me to retire.

“I would like to express my admiration and thanks to the people of West Cumbria for their truly marvellous support for Mind. Both individuals and groups have shown such wit and imagination and, above all, good will and encouragement, towards our work by their wonderfully generous support.

“Our loyal, committed, and very able staff are the reason that we have been able to achieve what we have, so my thanks go to my fellow workers, Jacqui Ashforth, Danni Brough and Lesley Burns, for all their hard work and inspiration.

“I also want to thank my fellow board members for their invaluable contributions to the success of Mind in West Cumbria.”

Rod Earl, who is currently vice chair of the charity, will now step into the role of chairman.

He said: “On behalf of the service users, fundraisers, sponsors and other stakeholders, the board of trustees would like to thank Brian for his years of dedication as chairman of Mind.

“He worked tirelessly up to 50 hours a week, in a voluntary capacity, responding immediately to service users who needed support.

“We reluctantly accepted his request to stand down with immediate effect, for health reasons.

“I would like to wish him well in his retirement, build on his legacy and ensure Mind in West Cumbria continues to serve the people of West Cumbria to remove stigma and create, in partnership with other mental health charities, a combined approach to health and wellbeing.

“I would like to see the third Sector, working with the public and private sector, to provide a holistic approach.”

Dr Campbell said: “My successor, Rod Earl, with his vast experience, has been a great help and will continue to serve the best interests of the mental health of our community. Lastly, can I thank our wives and partners, who support our work and its demands on our time, without complaint.”

Dr Campbell added that his only “slight disappointment” was that the charity’s mobile delivery unit, affectionately named ‘Brian’s Bus’, had not yet launched.

“However it has passed its feasibility stage thanks to the Workington Transport Heritage Trust.

“We hope that once launched we will be able to better reach and provide for the mental health needs of our area. In addition, we hope this facility may also provide a useful vehicle for other agencies to serve their clients.

“We have some funding towards the project and I hope we will be able to complete this and it will be launched in the near future.”