A WIRRAL dad, who led the fight against the closure of care homes, has been appointed to champion carers across the borough.

Brian Donaldson, from Heswall, tried to stop five council-run care and respite homes from closing last year with more than 2,000 people signing his petition.

His 28-year-old son, Paul, who has profound mental and physical disabilities, used Maple Home – which is now closed – for respite care around six weeks a year.

And now following his involvement with Wirral Carers Association, Brian was voted to replace retired Ken McDermott as chairman.

Brian, who was formerly deputy chairman, said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed and am looking forward to the challenge. I became involved with the Association after the issues surrounding the closure of the care homes and was later asked to be on its executive committee.

“I think the members felt I could do something for them and use my own experiences to help along the way.”

Brian launched his campaign against the care home closures amid fears of the emotional impact the changes would have on service users.

And he is now hoping to use his new position to improve day services across the borough.

He added: “We want to build on the excellent work Ken has done in laying the foundations for the Association, he has moved it to a point where it is now a respected group working closely with councillors, council officers, National Health Service Professionals and other voluntary organisations.

“We plan to involve more Wirral carers in our monthly meetings, with key guest speakers, by publicising them more effectively.

"And finally we will work tirelessly, on behalf of Wirral Carers, to effectively influence key decision makers in the council and NHS on issues such as the transformation of day services.”