Debra joins drink battle FORMER Stourbridge MP Debra Shipley is back to health and is heading up a new charity aimed at tackling alcohol misuse.

The ex-Labour MP - who stepped down at the last election after being diagnosed with breast cancer - has beaten the disease and is set to take on a new role as chairwoman of the brand new Drinkaware Trust.

Born out of the Government's alcohol harm reduction strategy and its 'Choosing Health' White Paper, the new charity - launched this week - is being funded on a voluntary basis by the drinks industry and aims to combat the UK's growing binge drinking problems.

Debra, aged 49, said: "I am very excited by the opportunity we have in this unique partnership.

"I believe the challenge of reducing harm caused by alcohol misuse is one of the key issues facing today's society.

"It impacts on individuals, families and communities.

"Drinkaware will campaign to increase awareness of harm caused by misuse of alcohol, to challenge attitudes and to improve behaviour."

The ex-MP said in her former role as chairwoman of the Government's domestic violence group partly inspired her to get involved with Drinkaware, which for the first time brings together the drinks industry, charities, lobby groups and medical professionals to address alcohol misuse and promote sensible drinking.

She said: "The fact that the drinks industry and health professionals are coming together to tackle alcohol misuse is significant; it's a very, very genuine attempt to make an impact."

The mum-of-one - who now lives in east Anglia with her daughter - said she was delighted to be taking up the new challenge after a year-long battle against breast cancer.

She said: "I miss the good bits of being an MP, but if I can use my skills in something such as Drinkaware to make a difference that will be worthwhile.

"It's taken me a year to get my strength back, but I'm now very fit and back to swimming, cycling, skiing, canoeing and windsurfing.

"I'm proof that some women are lucky and come out the other side."

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: "I wish Debra all the best in this important role and look forward to working with her to help change the drinking culture in the UK."