FORMER Clarets star Clarke Carlisle is to launch a mental health charity as he continues to recover from his recent suicide attempt.

The 35-year-old was seriously injured after jumping into the path of a lorry on the A64 near York in December.

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Gemma Carlisle, the retired defender’s wife, announced on social media that he had founded The Clarke Carlisle Foundation for Dual Diagnosis (CCforDD).

The charity will “aim to raise awareness levels about Dual Diagnosis, and funds for a purpose-built treatment facility”.

Dual diagnosis describes patients with both severe mental illness, mainly psychotic disorders, and problematic drug or alcohol use.

Mr Carlisle, who made 149 appearances for Burnley between 2007-2012, was charged with a drink-driving offence two days before the incident, and has previously spoken about his battle with alcoholism.

He said: “Thank you all for your kind messages of well wishes and support. The Clarke Carlisle Foundation will have a full launch in three months time.

“We are still developing the website and communication lines, full details of which will be announced via Twitter, Kicca and general media.

“Your offers of help are appreciated. We will develop slowly to ensure we do it right. Please don’t be offended if we don’t reply just yet.

“Let’s continue the great work that has been done in raising the profile of mental health, and let’s take it a step further. The talking is being done, now let’s see the action.”

Mr Carlisle, a former chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association and an ambassador for Turf Moor’s UCFB College of Football Business, spent six weeks on a psychiatric ward after the collision.

He sustained life-threatening rib, head and knee injuries, but was discharged from hospital last month.

The ex-England Under-21 international, from Preston, said he had been “showered with messages of support and help”, and that he was “getting better day by day”.

Mr Carlisle is due to answer bail at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on March 23.

He is charged with failing to provide a specimen and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence on December 20, last year.

He captained the Clarets when they beat Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in 2009, to reach the Premier League.