Doncaster charity founder whose son took own life over gambling addiction praised for 'life-saving' work, ten years on

Alan Lockhart, who gambled away around £200,000, took his own life in 2010.

At the time of his death, Alan was using multiple credit cards to try and manage his growing debt, which had been intensifying since since he began gambling as a teenager in the 1980s. He would have turned 50 this year.

Ten years after his death, Anne along with Keith Evans are still working tirelessly to educate others on the potential consequences of gambling through their charity, Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust.

The charity, which was founded in 2014, quickly gained the support of Doncaster Central MP Dame Rosie Winterton.

The MP recently congratulated the co-founders on their commitment which has seen YGAM deliver a £10 million national education program, aiming to reach over three million young people.

“It has been an absolute honour to have worked with Anne and Keith over recent years,” said Dame Rosie, also deputy speaker at the House of Commons.

"I have so much admiration for their bravery in the face of personal tragedy and their commitment to helping others is incredibly inspiring.

“Anne and Keith are very wonderful people whose kindness and concern for others is a beacon of light. I strongly believe that their work shaping the magnificent YGAM charity, which safeguards young people from gambling and gaming-related harm, will have saved lives and I am very proud to count them as friends.”

In 2016, Dame Rosie nominated Anne to receive an NHS National Award for Excellence in Public Health and Wellbeing for her outstanding efforts.

Reflecting on the past decade, 86-year old Anne said: “I am determined to make sure other mothers and families do not have to experience the hurt that I did.

"I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has listened, supported, and hugged me over the past 10 years. You have helped make a mother very proud.”

Lee Willows, chief executive of YGAM, said: “I see the grief Anne, Keith and the family still experience today and take great pride and comfort that we are collectively using our experience in a positive way.

"Anne, Keith, Alan and the wider family are always at the forefront of our minds and are consistently remembered in everything we do.”

Matthew Gaskell, clinical director of the NHS Northern Gambling Service, said: “Anne has emerged from the family tragedy to be a force for good in the world. She is a very special person.”

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