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Jack Croft

THE family of a 30-year-old man, whose body was discovered in the River Avon last week, has called for more help to be available for people suffering from alcoholism.

Jack Croft died when he slipped and fell into the river just days after vowing he would recover from his addiction.

The former public school pupil started drinking at the age of 15 and fought a long battle to overcome his problem.

Despite going through rehabilitation and having long periods without drink, his family said he continued to suffer from the illness.

"He bravely fought as hard as he could," said his mother Glynis, 56. "He said to me just recently that it wasn't how many times you got knocked down, it was how many times you got up again and he always thought he would beat this."

This is the second tragedy to hit the family after Jack's brother Richard died in a road accident at Pepperbox Hill 18 years ago, at the age of 26.

Jack was born in Salisbury and attended Chafyn Grove School before going to Norman Court School and King's School, Bruton.

After leaving school, he worked as an estate agent before joining his father Roger, 66, in the family's property and vending machine businesses.

"He was a great salesman and was very personable," said Mr Croft. "He made a good impression on people and they remembered him after meeting him just once or twice."

Jack's family became aware of his alcohol problem when he was in his early twenties.

They say that more research needs to be done to find ways to help young alcoholics.

"I think it started when he took his first ever sip," said Mrs Croft. "It became part of his life and he fought it for 15 years.

"Last year he was dry for ten months. There were plenty of good times and he was so determined to turn his life around."

The family is supporting the George Best Foundation, which funds research into liver disease and alcoholism.

"People don't realise that alcoholism is an illness," said Jack's brother-in-law Robbie Richmond. "They think it is purely self inflicted but it requires treatment just like anything else."

Although Jack spent time in rehabilitation centres and with support groups, his family is concerned about the lack of funding for services in the Salisbury area.

"There is not enough help available and more needs to be done," said his sister Amie Richmond, 32.

"One time he was told it would be 18 months before he could see anyone.

"We just felt so powerless. Alcoholism can happen to anyone and help needs to be there early on."

Jack had recently moved to a new flat in Windsor Road, Salisbury, and had been drinking last Sunday afternoon when it is believed he slipped and fell into the river where it flows under Bridge Street.

His body was discovered the next day, caught on scaffolding poles near Newbridge Road.

Jack's jacket and wallet had gone missing and his family is appealing for their return.

Mr and Mrs Croft, of Winterbourne Stoke, were on holiday when Jack fell into the river and they returned last Wednesday to discover the tragedy.

"We just hope that the way Jack bravely fought this will encourage others to seek help," said Mrs Croft.

"No matter what happened, no one stopped loving him and doing all they could to help him get better."

Jack's funeral takes place today, at Salisbury Crematorium, at 1.30pm.

Donations to the George Best Foundation can be made through I N Newman Funeral Directors, 55 Winchester Street, Salisbury.

9:22am Thursday 31st January 2008

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