Cancer charity set up as memorial to doctor

Campbell’s Reach, a cancer carers’ support group for South and West Yorkshire, was inspired by James Campbell, who was based at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary for many years.

Dr Campbell, who died in 2007, worked up to the last weeks of his life following a long and courageous battle with illness.

The charity, which is based at Willow Lodge in Hoylandswaine, near Penistone, aims to support and guide carers and their families who are living with cancer, to give them relief and space so they can look after their own health and wellbeing.

Dr Campbell’s widow Patricia said: “My family and I are very honoured and proud to support this much needed charity.”

Campbell’s Reach is being backed by occupational health care specialist Prohms, whose chief executive Sandra Babbings will officially launch it today at Eric’s in Lindley at the first in a series of charity lunches.

Mrs Babbings said: James Campbell was such a special person to so many people and an inspiration to anyone who had the pleasure to meet and work alongside him.

“He was a hard-working doctor who loved his profession. He was fun to be with and always made his patients feel they were special. A typical Scot, he was brave and stoic and never complained about his inner struggles with this awful disease.

“He left his wife and four children with so many happy memories to cherish and remember. And he left countless families and patients without his care, and hundreds of nurses and doctors without his specialist knowledge and support.

“Willow Lodge is an amazing place of peace which I want to share with all the people I have met along the road of my life - the carers, nurses, doctors, home carers and relatives caring for their loved ones.”