Mum and I travelled into Birmingham last week to attend one of a number of meetings around the country, organised by the Infected Blood Inquiry (IBI) team. It was hosted by Catherine Nalty - the Deputy Secretary to the Inquiry, along with Laura and Luke, to update the participants on how the inquiry is progressing. … Continue reading Infected Blood Inquiry – Information Meeting 06.02.20
Happy to be Ros
So here we are. Writing for no real reason. I'm doing this during a Tap & Write session with Kate Marillat as part of her Taping Collective group on FB, which uses EFT to release resistance and blockages when you are trying to write. It's a great group video session that uses tapping to release … Continue reading Happy to be Ros
Evidentially Yours
One week and an hour or so from the moment I write this, is our day. Mum's and my day. What day is that? you ask. On Friday 18 October 2019, mum and I are giving evidence to the Infected Blood Inquiry in London. Run by Sir Brian Langstaff QC, we are now into the … Continue reading Evidentially Yours
Dad’s Journey
Dad's lymphoma came back this year and as he was in steady decline over the last month, I was inspired to write this piece for him in the middle of one sleepless night. I read it to him the week before he died. He "mmm"ed after every sentence. I read it again this Wednesday at … Continue reading Dad’s Journey
Why dad’s death was not devastating. For me.
You see, I am most familiar with death. I was killed the moment you put a price on my life. You decided the value of me was less than the value of the profits you were likely to make, the costs I was likely to cost, the prestige you were likely to garner from publishing … Continue reading Why dad’s death was not devastating. For me.
Am I anti-NHS?
If you've heard recently about the Infected Blood Inquiry and read the media reports you may be getting the impression the NHS fucked up. You may be thinking that we, the contaminated community, are waging a decades long war against the NHS. That we are accusing them as a body of destroying our lives and … Continue reading Am I anti-NHS?
I am a Remainer
Oh no! Why is she writing a post about Brexit? Don't we hear enough about that already?? Let's be honest, have you? No, specifically this week ... have you heard about Brexit? Maybe you've stopped listening to or watching the news to preserve your own sanity. I understand that. However, this week I urge you … Continue reading I am a Remainer
Help Wanted – warning bad language
This morning I am not well. It's weird actually saying that, because it's my mental health that is shot, however, for some reason I feel like that is my fault, that I am somehow in control of my mental state and that I should just "pull myself together", woman up and be "ok". Well this … Continue reading Help Wanted – warning bad language
Here We Go Again
I'm thinking about the Public Inquiry into Contaminated Blood. The one gearing up for its first public hearings this April. Admittedly my title isn't pedantically fair as this is the first statutory public inquiry we have had. However, anyone who has been involved with campaigning as long as I have will know the sinking, drowning … Continue reading Here We Go Again
World Mental Health Day 2018
How am I? It's a lovely day. The sun is shining through my windows. The house has been invaded by a loveliness of ladybirds, even if they are infected with STDs, I rather like the little crimson critters. The sheets are flapping on the line. And that reminds me, there's even flapjack in the tin. … Continue reading World Mental Health Day 2018