A MAN who was instrumental in setting-up an organisation for single-parent families has died at his home in Craven.

Noel Wilkins, who was 89, spearheaded the establishment in the early 1970s of Keighley Gingerbread.

The move followed a suggestion by the town’s then MP, Bob Cryer.

From the organisation came the Kiddicare nursery and Gingerbread playscheme, which provided affordable childcare enabling single parents to continue working whilst raising their children.

The issue was one about which Mr Wilkins felt passionately.

He had been widowed in the late 1960s following the sudden death of his wife, Shirley, and left to bring-up the couple’s four young daughters single-handedly.

“At that time there was virtually no support for single-parent families and he was regularly advised to put us into care – but he refused,” says one of his daughters, Sara Atkinson.

“Although Gingerbread closed some years ago, Kiddicare continues to this day to offer the service.”

Mr Wilkins, who was born on Christmas Day in 1930, formerly lived at Oxenhope near Keighley.

But in his later life he spent many happy years living in France and then Italy, to be near one of his daughters.

Mr Wilkins returned to the UK three years ago, and lived at Townend Close in Cross Hills.

He leaves his four daughters, plus two granddaughters and five grandsons.

Donations in his memory can be made to Keighley Kiddicare, which is based in Barlow Road.

Kiddicare said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of Mr Wilkins’ death.

“He was a founder member and continued to work as a volunteer until he moved to France,” it said.

“Thank you Noel for all you did for Kiddicare, you are remembered with much affection.”