England trio did not deserve ‘utterly abhorrent’ racism

THE RACIST abuse of Saka, Rashford and Sancho via social media following England’s honourable defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020 is utterly abhorrent.

I wonder if the repugnant little trolls responsible would have the guts to take a penalty kick in front of a huge crowd at Wembley?

I doubt it very much, as they only feel big and brave when they can hide behind the anonymity of the internet.

Thankfully, the outpouring of support for these three inspirational young men in the wake of such cruelty shows such people are very much in the minority.

That does not however absolve the tech giants who need to be doing more to police their multibillion dollar operations, as at the moment they more closely resemble multibillion dollar cesspits.

Paul Sheehan

Binley

Coventry

‘Not worth going to Coventry city centre anymore’

SORRY to say the shopping and entertainment is so poor it’s not worth going into the city centre for me.

No individual quality shopping, no choices at all.

Gone is the time of getting all dressed up to meet up friends for a coffee, maybe stay for lunch and a day out shopping.

Nothing to buy or nice restaurant to enjoy being waited on as a treat.

Trying to find out ‘what’s on ‘and ‘where ‘ is non-existent if you haven’t got access to ‘online’.

Our old cultures of the pub and tea rooms type of cafe are missing.

Where can we meet up to go on to entertainment venues, theatres, cinemas and social clubs?

Where have they all gone?

This city closes down at 4.30pm and is dead after 5pm.

Cathedral and heritage visitors move on to Stratford, Leamington and Birmingham to be entertained, wined and dined.

TV was blamed for killing off the ‘pictures’ and now ‘subscribe TV’ and home cinemas are being blamed for threatening live theatre and cinemas today, leaving us with rubbish repeats on TV.

It’s just the times we live in.

The novelty and enjoyment of open air street markets are so popular now as they were before the multi-nationals came here.

Selling the same cheap stuff in every other shop is the wonderful re-connection with other human beings at long last.

A bit of banter and barter, a chance to talk to the good natured producer of the goods being sold is wonderful – let’s have more open air street markets.

Details supplied.

Grateful to staff at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire

I HAVE just twice been a patient in University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

First because of leg problems next because of pneumonia.

It will take some time to recover fully, but I am deeply grateful to the staff there in all positions who worked night and day to help me.

We are all fortunate to have such dedicated people safeguarding us.

Coun David Skinner

Westwood ward

Organise a fund-raiser to help West Midlands young people with cancer

ON AVERAGE, every year, around 200 young people aged 13 to 24 from the West Midlands hear the devastating news they have cancer.

I am a Teenage Cancer Trust nurse who worked with this age group for over 20 years and I have seen first-hand how the right support and care can make such a difference to their happiness and health.

My colleagues at Teenage Cancer Trust – nurses and youth workers within NHS hospitals across the UK – have been working tirelessly to support young people during the pandemic. They are truly amazing people who go above and beyond every single day to provide the vital care needed in the most challenging of circumstances.

All of their work is funded by people like you. And you can help by simply hosting a Great Garden Get-Together for our charity this August.

All you need to do is get your loved ones together to have fun and raise money at the same time – and there are plenty of ideas to get you started in our free fund-raising pack: www.teenagecancertrust.org/garden

Please do get involved because we need your help now more than ever.

Louise Soanes

Chief Nurse

Teenage Cancer Trust

Keeping alive the memory of The Guinea Pig Club

EIGHTY years ago in July 1941, a group of young men who sustained severe burns in aircraft crashes during the Second World War came together to form The Guinea Pig Club.

They took this name in honour of the ground-breaking techniques of pioneering plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe.

Upon leaving hospital, following their lengthy treatments, members established new careers, married and raised families, challenging the opinions of those who questioned their abilities.

These young men quickly became a beacon of hope and their perseverance and tenacity continues to inspire burns survivors today.

The RAF Benevolent Fund is proud to have supported The Guinea Pig Club since its formation and has provided assistance to many of its members over the years.

However, just six members of the Guinea Pig Club remain, so the fund is taking this important anniversary to highlight the inspiring story of the Guinea Pig club to ensure its legacy lives on.

I urge your readers to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed their lives during the Second World War by visiting rafbf.dedicationpage.org/gpc80 where they can share memories, photographs, and thanks.

Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot

Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund

EDITOR’S COMMENT

WITH cases spiralling, many questions have been asked about ‘Freedom Day’ and the justification of lifting all restrictions.

The Prime Minister – master of mixed messaging – urged people not to be ‘demob happy’.

Next we see packed nightclubs at 12.01am on Monday morning – scenes not seen for over 16 months and while infections are spreading rapidly.

While the Government cannot be blamed for every individual’s decision, clearer messaging may have led to the more cautious approach needed now.

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