Ex-bingo hall boss determined to support betting addicts

2:30pm Tuesday 26th June 2007

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A RETIRED bingo hall manager plans to set up a support group for problem gamblers in York after a 41-year-old gambling addict committed suicide.

Alfred Redpath, 65, of Acomb, York, who used to manage a bingo hall in Thirsk, was inspired to make the appeal after The Press reported on June 18 how Adrian Gamble - who spent thousands of pounds on gambling - took his own life last October.

The Press revealed how Mr Gamble, of Foxwood Hill, York, had wanted to meet people who had experienced a similar problem to him - but was unable to find a support group for gamblers in York.

Mr Redpath's proposal has received the backing of senior York councillor Andrew Waller, who also vowed to set up a support group in the city, as well as that of Mr Gamble's family.

Mr Redpath said: "The service would take the form of regular meetings of people who want help in dealing with their gambling problems.

"If professionals, such as psychiatrists, also attended the meetings, there might be the option for people to attend one-to-one sessions too."

Mr Redpath, who used to produce magazines for disabled people, said he would also like to see Community Service Volunteers (CSV) involved in the group.

He said that he expected the service would take time to establish itself, but that it would be self-running.

Mr Redpath said one of the aims would be to provide people with contacts for individuals and organisations they could turn to if they needed help outside the group.

Mr Gamble's mother, Janet Gamble, also of Foxwood Hill, today welcomed the proposal.

She said: "I'm really happy about this - if something good comes out of Adrian's death, I won't feel that he died in vain. Adrian would have been pleased about this, too."

She said that when she was at church on Sunday, someone had said to her that some good would come out of her son's death.

Mrs Gamble said that, in time, she would like to support the group in whatever way she could.

Mr Gamble's sister, Sarah Gamble, 32, also threw her weight behind Mr Redpath's proposal, saying it was a good idea because it could help prevent problem gamblers in York from ending their own life.

Coun Waller said he would actively support Mr Redpath's plan, and that he was liaising with Gamblers Anonymous (GA) in a bid to bring the organisation's meeting service to York.

"If people are coming forward, this is something we need to build on," he said.

Coun Waller said that while he would look to replicate GA's meetings in Leeds in York, the city's own service could also help people who have financial problems for other reasons.

* If you are interested in volunteering to help with the group, phone Mr Redpath on 01904 345341.