blimey Ed, I'd figured out that things weren't rosy, but sounds like a big pile of stinky pants.
However, good on you for making the brave decision to jump - I know the feeling of relief! When we make choices in life, both personally and profesionally, we can never know how things are goingt to turn out. And it's gutting when big ideas and enthusiasm turn to heartache and despair (and so easy to stay stuck in a rut). It's particulary rubbish to see it happen to someone who's kind, generous and good at their job.
Wherever life takes you next, you'll do great. Good things come to nice people.
