HEALTH problems have hit a mercy mission by the group campaigning for the release of student hostage Paul Wells.

Mavis Mangan, mother of Paul's fellow captive Keith Mangan, has suffered a heart attack and will not be able to make the trip to Kashmir on April 11.

Her husband Charles has also decided not to travel.

But today Paul's father Bob said he and the other members of the group would still be flying off for meetings with several dignitaries in the state of Jammu Kashmir, India and Pakistan.

Paul's girlfriend Cat Moseley, Keith's wife Julie and James Bowman, head of the Hostages In Kashmir Campaign, will also take part in the visit as planned.

Mr Wells, of Bracken Close, Feniscowles, Blackburn, said he was disappointed that the campaigners would not be able to travel together as "one big unit". He added: "Fortunately, Mavis has only suffered a minor heart attack but doctors have told her not to travel.

"Her husband is also unable to go because of the increased tension this would cause her.

"The stress of the situation has obviously not helped but she will be allowed home from hospital on Friday."

Mr Wells has vowed never to give up the search for clues about his son who was marched away by armed militants from a camp site in the Kashmir Valley in July 1995.

The campaigners will travel to London on Tuesday for a meeting to discuss details of the trip with the Foreign Office.

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