Widower resigns from charity role

Tuesday 10th April 2012

A father who set up a charity informing people of the dangers of post-natal depression after his wife killed herself has resigned from the organisation.

Chris Bingley has stepped down as founder and spokesman of the Joanne (Joe) Bingley Memorial Foundation to focus on personal matters, according to a statement from the charity.

Chris set up the foundation to supports women suffering from post-natal depression after the death of his wife, former Huddersfield Royal Infirmary nurse Joanne Bingley, on April 30, 2010.

She began suffering from the condition after giving birth to the couple's daughter Emily Jane in February 2010.

A statement from the foundation's other trustees, Elaine Hanzak, Ann Girling, Dinah Wylde and Dr Martin Johnson, said: "It is with regret and sadness that the trustees of the Joanne (Joe) Bingley Memorial Foundation announce that Mr Christopher Bingley is stepping down from his role. as founder and spokesperson for the charity.

"Chris has helped to shape and drive the charity through a successful first year, but now feels that he needs to focus on personal matters and he leaves the running of the charity in the capable hands of the trustees and staff who have helped him build the foundation into the dynamic and vibrant organisation it has become today.

"We thank Chris for his hard work in setting up the foundation and wish he and Emily all the best."

The charity will continue to provide information leaflets to help parents and carers, workshops for health professionals and new parents, and a befriending scheme in the Kirklees area.

It will also work with further education groups and trainers to ensure health professionals have the training and information they need to help families affected by the condition.

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