Christmas Socks

Today I am able to wear for the first time this year my Christmas socks. It's quite an event for me as they have sat in my sock drawer all year long, ignored and pushed to one side as I've always considered it bad luck to wear them 'out of season', as it were.

For me, it does formerly mark the start of the festive season. It's difficult to work out how we have arrived here so quickly. A large part of me didn't think we would see another Christmas in this house, given the dire financial state we are in, so I'm especially grateful to still be here. It does mean also that I can dust off my Christmas music vinyl collection. I'm a staunch believer that before December 1st, very little should be made of Christmas and I begrudge seeing decorations and goods appearing in stores before this time. The worst for me are the people who insist on putting up their decorations and lights in October! In fact there are several homes like that not far from me here.
We've decided that next Saturday we will put up the tree and decorations. Despite my strict December policy for anything Christmas-related, I do like to see our home decorated. Of course, it's all for our son really. There's nothing better than seeing his excitement Christmas morning and receiving the things he has wished for.
We are very fortunate. There are many who this year will be struggling. That's not to say we're not finding it difficult, we are. We do though seem to manage and very rarely go without the essentials. My wife sees that the small wage she brings in each week is managed properly and apportioned appropriately. There is nothing left, no petty cash and no spare change to buy the odd packet of sweets, but we don't go without.
I listened intently this morning to the BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal. It has been running for more than 80 years and raises money for the St Martin In The Fields to provide shelter and help for homeless and vulnerable people. The programme highlighted the excellent work carried out by volunteers all year round to help the many who are forced to sleep on the streets of London. It provides a helping hand, offering protection and long term support but more importantly, it provides hope. I was truly humbled hearing the real life stories of those who have been given a lifeline by the Appeal and The Vicar's Relief Fund which each year provides much needed grants to people who are in severe financial difficulty.
I wish so much that I was in a position to be able to make a donation to the Appeal. The work they do is truly fantastic and has particular significance at this time of year, providing refuge, companionship, warm clothing and a hot meal to those who would otherwise be alone, cold and hungry. I'm fortunate to have my own home and I have family nearby, but there are many who don't and many who could find themselves homeless and in need of help through no fault of their own. The current economic crisis has taken away the assurance of job security and countless numbers up and down the country are asking themselves for the first time 'what if...'. There is uncertainty like never before, and sadly I don't see the situation improving for a long time to come.

Tony Nicklinson

I took my time before writing my thoughts on this and it's something I feel quite passionate about. Tony Nicklinson has been living with 'Locked-In Syndrome' for seven years following a massive stroke in 2005. Today, Tony took his case to the High Court to grant permission for his life to be ended by doctors without fear of prosecution. Sadly, he lost his case and was distraught at hearing the news. He is appealing the decision.
None of us can imagine what it must be like to suffer with Locked-In Syndrome. Although Tony has lost the use of his body, his mind is active and he is able to articulate his thoughts through a computer aided speech device.

This is a very difficult issue. Tony has no quality of life. He has made this very clear and is in the process of writing a book which he wants to complete. For me, I struggle with any situation where suffering is prolonged. Tony is suffering daily - he has told us this.
I am trained to prevent suicide, yet I do believe there are situations where life can be unbearable for some who suffer chronic illness with no hope of recovery. Every day is a struggle and the pain is constant. Many are house-bound and totally reliant on others to carry out tasks such as washing and eating. They have no dignity. Life is literally a living hell.
If a dog or cat falls ill or is in pain, we put them down. The same is true of horses where an injury as small as a paper cut can justify a vet's stun gun.
I strongly believe there are cases where the choice to end life should be granted. Tony wants to end his life, but he cannot do it himself. He needs help, and it is because of this that this option has been taken from him. He is forced to live in agony until an appeal can be raised. Surely this cannot be fair? There is of course Dignitas in Switzerland, but why should he have to travel hundreds of miles only to end his life on the edge of an industrial estate? He wants to die at home, and shouldn't this be his right? His basic human right?
I hear arguments that we will set a dangerous precedent if we allow people such as Tony to end their lives. I would counter this by saying that there should be strict guidelines in place which include input from more than one doctor or specialist, family members and where possible the individual concerned. Quite how this should be structured isn't for me to say, but we mustn't lose sight of the person concerned. There is a real danger that we forget that at the centre of this is an individual who is suffering. A human being of sound mind for whom life has no benefit. The law must be amended.