A HUMANITARIAN who helped set up various health projects across the world has been praised for his work following his death.

Alan Haworth OBE was born and raised in Blackburn and travelled to help people around the world before dying last month in Leeds, aged 89, after a battle with illness.

After attending Blackburn Grammar School he went to Queens College Cambridge and became a doctor.

Mr Haworth travelled to become a missionary in Zambia and played a pivotal role in setting up the mental health service in the country.

He became head of the psychiatry department at the University of Zambia and held numerous positions in the Zambian Red Cross.

He was bestowed with the highest honour of Grand Commander of Distinguished Service by the president of Zambia in recognition of his service to psychiatry.

Mr Haworth also worked on numerous related projects with the World Health Organisation, and was awarded the OBE for his services.

He had a large adopted family stretching across the UK, US and Zambia, and had two nieces, Karen and Penny, and a nephew, Chris.

Adopted son Lackson Mzizi, from Zambia, paid tribute to him for the work he did to help others.

The 47-year-old, who now lives in Leeds, said: “He was selfless and always trying to help others.

“I think he was a very interesting man and he was very keen on education.

“He spent a lot of time listening to music, especially music.

“There’s a lot of things I’ll remember him for.

“He taught me to play piano and I followed in his footsteps to be a psychiatrist.”

While working in Zambia, Mr Haworth also initiated and managed projects to combat alcoholism and HIV in the country.

A service and cremation will be held at Pleasington Cemetery and Crematorium in Tower Road, Blackburn, today at 11.30am.