Diabetic group chairman stands down

Group chairman Jack Jackson retired last week after 15 years of service but staff are determined to carry on as usual.

Jack had been an instrumental part of the group's day-to-day running since 1987.

The group was formed to raise money for extra equipment in hospitals and doctor's surgeries and promoted diabetes awareness locally and further afield with the group's travelling roadshow.

Jack recently expressed his anger over lack of support for the Mayor's Ball which would have raised funds for the group.

The event had to be postponed.

Jack received Volunteer Action Award from the Whitbread group in 1992 for outstanding service to the community.

He declined to speak to the Observer this week.

Wendy Tollett, office manager, said: "We have got to carry on as usual. There has been no decision on who will take over the running of the charity.

"The Charity Commission have still to make their decision."

The idea that an American company had agreed to take on the charity has been thrown into question.

Handing over a charity can be a lengthy process.

Although this could have proved a difficult time for the staff at the Diabetic Group, the experience of the team is a reassurance that things will run smoothly.

Wendy said: "We do realise this might take some time but we are running the charity as we always have done. Anyone with questions about the takeover can call us - we will be happy to answer queries."