THE father of tragic Ecstasy victim Leah Betts could be forced to quit his full-time anti-drugs crusade because of a lack of cash.

Former policeman Paul Betts has travelled the country highlighting the risk of drug abuse since his daughter collapsed and died after "popping an E" at her 18th birthday party in November.

But the strain of a succession of personal appearances and public speaking engagements to promote the cause is beginning to take its toll on family finances.

Paul spoke about the problem at a half-day Tackling Drugs Together conference, organised by East Lancashire Health Authority, at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, yesterday.

He said: "Our lives have been through a complete upheaval and I have reached the stage in my life where this could be a permanent job.

"Unfortunately, I can't live on it. I am having to start to turn round to people and say 'no'. I have got to earn a living."

Mr Betts retired from the police force on medical grounds and had been contemplating setting up a riverboat business before his life was taken over by the fight against drugs.

He added: "If there is a rich sponsor out there I would gladly carry on with what I am doing because this is very important and worthwhile."

Mr Betts also spoke about the lives that had been saved because of the publicity surrounding his daughter's death.

And he spoke of his quest to ensure people have the full facts about Ecstasy and other drugs, so they can make an informed decision about taking them.

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