Some weeks in Parliament can just be gruelling, and this week, the first week back after recess, was one of those. It wasn't just that I started with a very long stint in the Chair on Monday, from 8.30pm until half past midnight, but it was a heartbreaking debate. This week is baby loss week, and many colleagues shared their personal stories of baby loss, or highlighted the cases that had been brought to them by constituents. Many parents affected by the trauma of miscarriage or still birth were in the gallery, and from my vantage point I was able to see how very difficult the whole debate was for them.
We also debated the Mental Health Bill this week and my parliamentary neighbour John Glen hosted a drop in so colleagues could learn about the horrific death of his constituent Ruth Szymankiewicz. Ruth was just 14 years old and an in patient at a mental health unit, many miles away from home and only permitted a visit from her parents twice a week, when she lost her life. Ruth's mother, a doctor, came to talk to us about the agony of simply being excluded from her daughter's care, and the tragic consequences. Really we can and must do better for young people suffering like this.
There was an exhibition in Parliament this week of the "Say Their Name" quilt, which was hanging in Westminster Hall. The quilt has been made by bereaved parents, partners and siblings, from across the country, who have lost a loved one to suicide. There are three large quilts made by Hampshire residents included, each square a personal tribute to someone from our County. I know at least one of my constituents contributed a square, in memory of her son, who had once been to see me in my constituency surgery. The quilts, and there were many of them, were all beautiful and unique, but so very sad when you looked at the number of squares they were made up from and the heartbreaking story behind each one.
On Friday there is the launch of the Friends of King John's House in the Town Hall. It was good news last week that the Government has given just over £100,000 to the project, but there is a very long way to go on the fundraising effort. I appear to have signed myself up to a charity walk and the Great South Run this weekend so am hoping for good weather and my slightly suspect Achilles to hold up ok!
