THE MOTHER of tragic Gareth Noone is backing a campaign to bring drug awareness teaching to Lancashire.

Since 16-year-old Gareth died of a drugs overdose, last October, his mother has been researching a revolutionary American scheme, the Life Education Trust.

Niamh Noone-Astles, of Lowerfield, Langho, said: "It was heartbreaking to lose my beautiful son so suddenly. I see the campaign to bring the Life Education Trust to Lancashire as the only way forward.

"Gareth died of ignorance. I am certain he had no idea what effect methadone would have on his body and I want to make sure that others never make the same mistake."

Gareth, who was found dead in bed at home, was one of four children. "I never had any indication that Gareth was using drugs," said Niamh. "My oldest children always spoke openly about drugs and I thought I knew what was happening."

The Life Education Trust, backed by the Prince's Trust, is completely self-funding and teaches children between the ages of four and 15 what effects drugs have on the human body.

"I visited one of these units," said Niamh, "and was very impressed. They encourage children to talk openly about issues such as drugs and AIDS. They are also given information packs to read with their parents."

The trust hopes to come to Lancashire in the autumn but still need substantial funds to become a permanent feature of school-age teaching.

Anyone who is interested in supporting the Life Education Trust can contact the Citizen Newsdesk on (01254) 671241.

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