THE family of Phil Longcake who died at Dixon’s Chimney have backed a fundraising campaign for a Carlisle mental health charity.

Sarah Longcake - Phil’s daughter-in-law - has joined with the Rotary Club of Carlisle on behalf of the family to allow residents to make a donation in his memory.

It comes weeks after his tragic death on October 28, with all the proceeds donated with Carlisle Eden Mind to provide support for others suffering from mental illness across the area.

The club will be accepting donations at its Wishing Well throughout the Christmas and New Year period. The well is based at the entrance to the Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle, near Primark.

Norman Butler, president of Carlisle Rotary Club, told the News & Star: “Every one of our members felt the sorrow of Phil’s death and we wanted to do what little we can to make something positive from this tragedy.

“I’m sure that the people of Carlisle will share that feeling and using our Wishing Well to support the excellent work of Carlisle Eden Mind enables everyone to contribute.”

Michael Boaden, from Carlisle Eden Mind, hopes the Wishing Well will help to raise awareness of mental health, and the work the charity does in the city.

He said: “We are touched and so grateful that Carlisle Rotary along with Longcake family have agreed to use the Wishing Well donations to help our work.

“Every penny raised will be used in the local area to provide support, guidance and information for anyone experiencing mental health issues.

“Using the Wishing Well in this way will help us to help others and raise awareness of mental health as we work to ensure that nobody in Carlisle and Eden has to face these issues alone.”

Speaking on behalf of Phil’s family, Sarah Longcake said: “We have been overwhelmed with the support from Phil’s many friends, colleagues and neighbours as well as complete strangers.

“We’ve received cards from the surrounding area as well as the USA and messages of love and support from as far as New Zealand, so before October 28 Phil was nobody to those people but on that awful day they took him in their hearts and prayers and we are so grateful for that.

“This is a chance for people from Phil’s home town to express their support for him in a practical way and help Carlisle Eden Mind in their work in the area.

“Thank you Carlisle Rotary Club.”

n Cumbria Mindline is available seven days a week with confidential support and information for anyone experiencing mental health issues or supporting someone in distress. Call 0300 561 0000 or visit www.cemind.org.