R2OK!

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

The Prince of Wales has led tributes to Dr Chad Varah, the founder of the Samaritans, who has died aged 95.

Dr Varah passed away in hospital in Basingstoke, Hants, a spokesman for the charity confirmed.

He launched the Samaritan's from the crypt of St Luke's Church, in the city of London, in 1953.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7086109.stm

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This is a very important life line for some people. I havn't used this service, but I'm sure people who have will feel sad to hear of his death..

iwarburton · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 2133 Location: Northumberland

Yes, very much so. Chad Varah read in the summer of 1953 that there were three suicides a day in Greater London, felt that something should be done about it and, as he later put it, "if I'd had any sense, I'd have written to the Times and said so". Instead, he advertised his availability at the end of a single phone line. From those beginnings, the concept evolved into an organisation which now operates in more than 40 countries.

Fortunately he has left quite a legacy of writing, including an autobiography, Before I Die Again.

Ian.

Toggy tea slurper · Guest

Sorry to hear of this, The Samaritans do fantastic work they really do. He has left behind a legacy which I'm sure his family are very proud of.

R.I.P