FORMER North Yorkshire vicar turned bestselling author GP Taylor has spoken out about his battle against depression to highlight the plight of a mental health charity.

Mr Taylor, whose first novel Shadowmancer became an international best-seller and whose books have since been translated into 51 languages around the world, said the depression came on after being attacked while working as a police officer in Pickering and suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

He said he tried to kill himself at one stage but thankfully his attempt was thwarted and - with the help of his family and support workers - he made a slow recovery.

He said he wanted to highlight the lifesaving work of Scarborough Whitby and Ryedale Mind (SWR Mind), a mental health charity that helps and supports almost 1,000 people. As The Press reported earlier this week, it is facing closure unless it raises £6,000 in just two weeks following funding cuts.

Mr Taylor said: “In my darkest hour I was living in hell. I couldn’t see a way out. I’ve only managed to get through it with the help of my family, counselling and support for my mental health.

“If SWR Mind closes it is a matter of life and death as this charity helps people who are experiencing a mental health crisis who are desperate for help.

“A lot of vulnerable isolated people who rely on the charity for support with things like going out, medication and paying bills will be left with nowhere to turn at a time when there is little support elsewhere.

“I’d urge everyone to support this charity and help save it from closure. It could be disastrous for the people living in Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale. What other help is there? Very little.”

SWR Mind, which has been established since 1962, employs 17 staff and has 60 volunteers on its books, is in crisis due to funding cuts.

Head of services Sophie Hall said: “We are desperate for donations, however big or small. It is not too late to support us. As Graham’s experience shows, mental illness does not discriminate whoever you are.”

People can donate online via www.swrmind.org.uk or www.justgiving.com/swrmind, by texting SWRM22 with the amount they want to donate in £ to 70070, or by sending a cheque made payable to Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind, to PO Box 304, Scarborough, YO11 3YJ.