Roy Castle cancer charity chief executive to step down after six years at the top

May 10 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

THE chief executive of a Merseyside cancer charity has announced his retirement.

Former Liverpool Daily Post editor Mike Unger, 64, is leaving his post at the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation in December but says he will continue to work with many charitable organisations after his retirement.

He said last night: “I have been chief executive for six years and will be 65 in December so it is time to move on.

“I will miss the pride the staff take in working for he charity and the amazing work it does. They are all so involved.

“There are a few things I want to concentrate on once I leave. I am going to rewrite one book and finish another. I am also a patron for one charity and a trustee for two, so my retirement will mean I can get involved more.

“I would also like to help small charities, because they often have very little money and need as much support as they can get.

“I have enjoyed my time at the foundation so much and wish my successor well.”

Mr Unger became involved with regional cancer charities after his daughter died of leukaemia when she was 16 at Alder Hey.

The foundation is the only charity in the UK wholly dedicated to defeating lung cancer through research, campaigning and education.

It also provides practical and emotional support for patients and all those affected by lung cancer and smoking and enables children and young people to make informed decisions about smoking and the tobacco industry.

Interviews will take place in May for the role and a replacement should be in post by December, when Mr Unger leaves.