Iain’s Blog

Friday 28th December 2007

Seasons Greetings,

Well this time of year has felt as awkward as the latest show of  ‘Extras’. That is of course how it’s meant to be at times, but for us it’s just how it’s become. Andy found out that ‘Fame and Fortune’ ain’t all its cracked up to be.

Talking of which, I signed my first autograph today for a friends daughter Chloe, at least I thought it was an autograph, it was used instead as a table setting name! Fame…….funny old game. I knew it wasn’t really an autograph….as I didn’t ask her if she wanted to her or a ‘friend’!

Well for once I am ahead of the game as I have realised that what counts is family, friends and supporters for Keran. Even when you have all got much better things to do, you have been in touch directly or through others saying that, Keran, the boys and myself are in your thoughts.

That makes you the stars you are for caring. Talking of stars that Take That song keeps popping up and whilst looking at the photos of the ‘Light of Hope’ service the lines from the song, struck me about lighting up the skies for you. I said to Keran she should have felt the warmth from their, especially as my Nylon tracksuit bottoms went up in smoke which certainly lit up the sky!

Had an interesting bundle of information turn up today which I have been reading through, could lead to developments in the case. I showed it to a colleague and we will be taking it on shortly and investigating further.

We hope to meet up with a couple of other sufferers of the same fate Keran is being put through very shortly, which hopefully will help all involved in some way. Will keep you posted.

Finally, a belated congratulations to Sarah & Matt and Will and Sophie for bringing new life into the world with a little girl and a little boy respectfully.  Congratulations to you all.

As for the rest of you cherish what you have, regards

Iain

Monday 24th December 2007

Just a quick message from all of us at carers4carers wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Remember to enjoy your time with those around you, especially your children and spare a moment to think of those with loved ones who are away for whatever reason and for those who’s loved ones are no longer with them.

Here’s to a 2008 where at least one wrong is put right…

Sunday 23rd December 2007

*****Unauthorised Carol Singers*****

For those of you living in Iver/Iver Heath, it has come to our attention that there are some teenagers in ‘hoodies’ carol singing in the villages claiming to be collecting on behalf of Keran.

We would like to point out that whilst they may be genuine, the carers4carers committee are not aware of them and therefore cannot say 100% that any money collected will go to Keran’s fund.

Saturday 22nd December 2007

Merry Christmas and Seasons best wishes to all the supporters of Keran & Carers4Carers.

We have just had the ‘Light of Hope’ service. What a moving and fantastic service that was and a huge thanks to Linda Harper and the gang that provided the refreshments that warmed us up afterwards in the hut.

Thanks also to Father Will for his prayers (Sophie and Will - haven’t had a baby yet…I don’t know who said they did)! And to Kim for leading the singing! Hopefully Sally managed to get some great photos to.

The BBC couldn’t get the helicopter in the end we did have the offer of a private helicopter but there would have been too much camera shake, what with having two turbo engines doing their bit to shake the camera and the photographer! I can hardly hold a camera straight and everyone has to have red eyes! Although a lady on a Flight 607SA inbound to Heathrow from Durban got a lovely photo of the ribbon!

We had considered calling for an Air Ambulance to use for the photo shoot, pretending we were suffering due to heat exhaustion from the candles heat, but thought better of it.

I have to apologise though as I had drunk most of the mulled wine, hence that’s why my singing was as it was and why there wasn’t any mulled wine! So apologies for that and the shinging!! Sorry that should be singing!

Isn’t it a great place to live, Iver Heath not the Rec that is, we have such a fantastic community spirit at the moment (apart from the lack of mulled wine).

Thanks also to those that travelled from across Berkshire, Bucks, Herts and down from Yorkshire, we did have someone who wanted to travel from Suffolk, but didn’t quite get enough notice.

From tots to teens to our older residents it was great to see you all, it was a shame to put the candles out, but we had complaints about the global warming, mind you at minus 2 we could have done to warm it up a bit more!

We raised a fair bit to the fighting funds apparently which is much appreciated. It remains to be seen now if those in a position of power can give the boys the best Christmas present ever, but the wheels move slowly.

I haven’t really been in the mood for writing cards or indeed had the time, as this week has been a tad busy. So apologies for that.

Since the juror came out on Radio 5, which was a shock, followed by another, on the front of the Times and then going on TV, to be joined by a expert witness from the prosecution (albeit one that goes with Science Fact and not Science Fiction aka Opinions). Then by the Angela Canning Foundation message to get Keran freed by Christmas on Bail if nothing else. Then…there’s more….the Attorney General said she will review the case, not your normal week. I struggled to keep up and keep Keran up to date as things moved so fast.

Then of course I have done interviews with, the Bucks Advertiser, The Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Times, Sunday Times, the Press Association , INS News Services, Grazia Magazine, The Express, at least 4 photo shoots (next year I am doing a Knit wear catalogue) and then BBC   London, GMTV and London Tonight and the ITN news. I think that’s all of them, might have missed the radio station out somewhere?

But hopefully it’s all for the good, I hope there is someone out there, be it more jurors, police officers, prosecutors, or experts. Who are now starting to realise that maybe they have been part of a tragic miscarriage of justice. They did have a choice in the trial and they have one now. Will they take it?

Happy Christmas?

Monday 17th December 2007

Christmas is coming ever so quickly; it just about seems to be on the radar for me. I would like to wish the Medical Experts, Police, CPS and the 10 Jurors a Merry Christmas, but feel even my forgiving nature can’t quite stretch to that.

But to the rest of you who stand up still thank you for being there, its now day 33 as I write this. After another visit to Keran, after what was tough week, lots of little things, that got to her but as usual she has pulled herself through it. Still missing contact with the boys and God willing she will see them before Christmas. Probably the best present in the world (and nothing to do with a famous brewery).

I know speaking to various people directly and indirectly that some of you find it hard to put your thoughts into letters. Well please don’t fret, if you tell he about the weather, events, the family, what you got for Christmas (and didn’t want), the winner of the X Factor, a movie you saw, whatever. Just write, she isn’t marking them or comparing them, she is valuing each as a piece of you. The world outside the walls.

Richard Lovelace once said

Stone walls do not  a prison make,
nor iron bars a cage,
Minds innocent and quiet take
that for a hermitage;
If I have freedom in my love,
And in my soul am free,
Angels alone that soar above
Enjoy such libertyDo we enjoy our liberty.? To be honest I for one take it for granted (until recently anyway) I can walk when I want to, talk to who I want, when I want, go to bed when I want, be with my loved ones and friends when I want. We should all be grateful for what we have, often the simplest things we take for granted. Keran says she takes me for granted - which I think means I am simple! Hmmm…..Anyway that aside value what you have.

Whilst watching the coverage of the handover to Iraqi troops by the British, it made me think that it’s a shame there aren’t yellow ribbons for all the troops doing a tough job, with little support. It would have been nice to have Camouflage ribbons …you may spot the flaw with that plan! But never the less they deserve our thoughts too, especially coming up to Christmas, they to are often virtually locked up in their bases, behind walls and wire away from their loved ones. 

Seize the day and as Jamie says on his picture board - Be Happy!

Iain

Thursday 13th December 2007

Just a quick update to thank all of those busy working away on the various projects from the Admin and Central support, Web pages, Fundraising, Photography (still looking for my best side - the Holy Grail would be easier to find), the Investigation Teams, and all those generous people supporting the fund raising activities. Especially coming up to Christmas which is a difficult time for all of us. Trying to work out if the kids want the latest Nintendo Playboy Station X Box Wii  game PSP DS thing………or at least I think that’s what it’s called!

Even those that can only afford a pound here and there to buy a ribbon, it all counts. Please rest assured if we get to the point we actually have ’spare’ cash once all the bills are paid, it will all go to a good home as we aim to help others in the same position and other carers who need some support just surviving.

It is so ironic that ITV have a Care for Carers appeal. The boys were treated to a Panto trip to Wycombe to see Cinderella which was great fun - the only trouble is now they are starting to laugh at the humour geared at the parents, which is good ‘cos obviously I don’t know what they are talking about!

The Panto is good if you get a chance to see it. At the end though the stars of the show asked for spare cash to go in a bucket for Care for Carers, the boys looked at me as if to say, is all this for Mum to’? I know the team have been busy planning events, but I don’t think it stretched to Pantos yet! Or does it?!

All your help and support will hopefully get the justice we all would like to see again……oh yes it will. Although it’s behind you at the mo, hopefully it will be back soon. Okay I am out of Panto lines at the mo!

Stay safe

Iain

P.S. Thanks for all the cards coming in, I will get the ones to Keran if you haven’t sent them direct. Keran has had over a 150 letters and cards recently, so bear with her if she doesn’t get back to you for a while. We can have cards here with glitter on!

Friday 7th December 2007

Like some of you I have just sat and watched a report on Newsnight of a baby-sitter who allegedly slammed a child in her cares head against a bannister at 60mph.

If the reporter John Sweeney is correct and I don’t have much to doubt it at present. It looks like a miscarriage of justice has taken place even before my beloved Keran’s.

So a few years ago, you can use this force and leave no real marks on the little boy, Kyle, or indeed leave NO evidence on the bannisters. To use a term which is in some ways inappropriate, yet appropriate given what they allege, ‘you couldn’t even swing the proverbial cat’ on that landing.

Kyle seemed to have had a fit, eyes rolled back, sound familiar? It all sounds too close to home for my taste.

The Police didn’t interview witnesses..again sound like we have been here before?

Also a lovely picture of Suszanne Holdsworth on the web and in the papers, always helps, make ‘em look like killers and it all helps! I must get round to thanking Thames Valley Police for releasing an awful picture of my wife, bit busy at the mo.

Mind you when you are dragged out of your house, stripped, thrown in a cell and traumatised for hours being asked questions you have been asked before (and you answered voluntarily - even though legal team said don’t - she wanted to get answers for Maeve’s parents and had nothing to hide), in an alien environment, to the point of being ill, well who would look their best?!

They could have done a better job with sticking her in an orange suit I guess. All this to secure eveidence they said, months after the last incident, when it could have gone. Sounds like a very VERY POOR excuse. But what goes around comes around…..

There will be justice in cases like Keran’s and Suszanne’s. It is something that clearly needs to be stopped and there’s a new sheriff in town…..  I don’t have to hit government targets and get clear ups……..all i have to do is get justice.

And there’s a hell of a team of deputies gathering, if we can help others and care for those that care, I think its safe to speak for the others (I am the sheriff after all - you gotta have some perks) but we will seek justice for all. Even Kyle’s dad seems to clearly understand it could have been him, in the lottery of ‘Expert’ witnesses.

Suszanne said she would be spending Christmas in her cell crying most of the day. I hope that we can get some support to her from the Carers4carers team as I have been in touch with her legal team and hopefully we can make contact and let her know she is not alone and hope the tears this year will be her last inside.

Fiat Justicia

Wednesday 5th December 2007 PS

I have just sat and watched Prof. Southall be struck off, it makes you wonder if this had happened earlier if the Jury would have read this and thought…’hang on ….maybe they don’t know everything’?

It will be interesting to see if he appeals.

But well done to the families that suffered at his hands, why is it they (the  experts) think parents and carers are so capable of harming children over common sense? They have had to tolerate all sorts of grief over many years. Truly well done to keeping so strong for all this time!

Wednesday 5th December 2007

Another update already…I know where does the time go?

Today was day 21, that means Keran has been away from us for 3 weeks…or it means she is 3 weeks closer to coming home (you decide). We are hoping that the appeal Bank Account will be set up tomorrow, which is handy, as in the last 24 hours or so hundreds of pounds have been coming in to help find the funds for the legal costs. Its fantastic what you are getting up to, the Photo Shoot, the Handbag and shoe party tonight, the kids party this weekend etc etc. Truly superb and inspiring way beyond the norm!

Keran too also continues to inspire me with what she is getting up to, at the core, is helping others! She can’t help herself (literally) so she helps others. I may mint a medal for her. She worries about things out here of course.

I keep telling her everything is fine, today for example I learnt that microwaves explode if you don’t use them properly, and that fire blankets really do work! But its all good, now we can see the kitchen again. Surprising how even wall tiles will burn if the flames are hot enough!

The boys still do us proud and if they keep up like this I may have to let them have some of the cakes people bring round! Although they will have to fight me for the chocolate ones! I am considering doing a sponsored cake eat……I know, I know I sacrifice to much for the cause.

On a serious note now, someone complained about one set of ribbons at one certain location, saying they felt it didn’t represent the little girl that died. Well, her name was Maeve and the people with the ribbons and the entire team (in case you’re reading this) have not forgotten Maeve, and never will.

Maeve was the first tragedy in this catalogue of nightmarish events. So to get Justice for Keran we must first get justice for Maeve and find out what caused Maeve’s collapses. That’s why the Medical team and the Investigators will be concentrating their efforts there.

Never forgotten, always remembered.

Justice for all.

Fiat Justicia (no matter how long it takes)

As a P.S.

I have just sat and watched Prof. Southall be struck off, it makes you wonder if this had happened earlier if the Jury would have read this and thought…’hang on ….maybe they don’t know everything’?

It will be interesting to see if he appeals.

But well done to the families that suffered at his hands, why is it they (the  experts) think parents and carers are so capable of harming children over common sense? They have had to tolerate all sorts of grief over many years. Truly well done to keeping so strong for all this time!

Monday 3rd December 2007

Just been to see Keran again the other day, but still without the boys, can’t wait to see her together with the whole family.

Keran although still not at ‘full’ bubbly factor (it’s an idea for another show if Simon Cowell needs a new show - ask him to speak to me), but she showed a lot of her outstanding spirit, talking about helping to decorate another wing! Done one…now its anothers turn to get the Creative Keran factor (thats another show)!

She has made decorations for everyones cells, and has talked of writing letters to others who don’t get loads from you good folks! We have had offers though to write to her other inmates on the wing from as far away as New Zealand. Not sure how we can do this, the Data Protection Act gets mentioned a lot. But if we can come up with a way, we will let you know!

I am so proud of her still so caring, still there inside her is that sense of caring, her faith, and the sense of fun.

You can imprison the body, but not the spirit.

If I was an expert with a love of unproven theories, it maybe time to hibernate. Justice is coming.

Saturday 1st December 2007

It’s been a busy week here at the Carers HQ. Firstly we had the big meeting on Tuesday and thanks to all those that turned up on a cold wet night. Thanks to all those that kept us fed and watered.

The ‘bouncers’, the organisers, decorators, admin, typists, cleaners, chair stackers and removers, printers, bakers and candlestick makers (okay we haven’t done candles yet….maybe next week) and all those that just turned up to show they care!

It is amazing what you have all achieved in such a short space of time, it just shows me what any of us can be capable of, when we have to or need to. What Keran would have truly loved would have been to see all the younger members there.

This event was shown live on BBC London and thanks to them for hanging around to catch both the 6.30pm slots and the 10.30pm slot later on.

The next day we had GMTV over to do a spot of filming, thanks to those that let us use their house, you know who you are. So for those thinking, wow his house is so much bigger on the inside….it wasn’t my house (and no it’s not a TARDIS).

GMTV offered us the chance to go on the sofa, but quite frankly it wouldn’t have been fair on the nation to have me to wake up to! People would have phoned in sick, productivity would have gone down, and the nation could have lost billions! So you were spared!

Then later in the week came Radio 5 Live, with the rather interesting e-mail that a juror wasn’t happy with the medical evidence, I know the feeling. The radio car was parked up outside the HQ and it was like the inside of Maplins! Some of the Scouts would have had great fun in there!!

Then finally to close the week a chance to go on BBC 3 Counties radio drive time. Which was via the phone from home, people that listened are placing bets on who rang the landline during the interview…so please come forward! Then the winner can then claim their prize!

All the interviews really I think all that did them, Suzanne, Alison and Claire would agree that it is a quite strange thing to be doing but what surprised me speaking to them and other journalists is that some of the things I take for granted about the case, were new to them. Which worried me a tad. As not many knew Keran wasn’t alone, there were no marks indicting an assault, Maeve had a history of illness etc.

Bu hopefully the truth will out!

Anyway time is ticking on so stay safe, stay strong

Iain