We’re gonna need a bigger boat…

Dammit, must try harder…..

Thanks for this Witchy! 

Hi Harriet! Now, I don’t know much about her so I went a-googling.

This is her site! Seems very family friendly. Couple of quotes from that site:

To prevent Labour having all-male shadow cabinets, Harriet campaigned for places to be reserved for women in the shadow cabinet. In 1989, 3 places for women were added.

Harriet fought for more Labour women MPs through ‘women-only shortlists’. The 1993 Labour Party Conference introduced the rule for ‘women-only shortlists’ in 50% of all target seats. This policy led to the election of 101 Labour women MPs in 1997.

Both from the about Harriet page. Interestingly she appears to have been instrumental iin: National Minimum Wage, longer maternity leave and higher maternity pay, and others…

I particularly like this:

She led a drive within Government to make tackling domestic violence a priority. The successful campaign led to a new law - the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act, the introduction of a new team of specialist prosecutors to ensure more effective prosecutions for domestic violence and a new network of 60 specialist domestic violence courts.

I’m kinda liking what I see there but tinged with my usual suspicion of politics.

We went down to see my parents and all did a 2km walk for the BLF.

My kids got to hand over their sponsorship money in person.  The kids are becoming very aware of charity stuff now and want to do more. So, I’ve been asked by them to ask all of you that read here if you would sign the BLF Charter. I’m asking you too!

There’s a 12 point charter on that link and a petition to sign at the bottom. There are loads of issues in there but number 7 gets me.

7. People who need oxygen therapy should have an efficient home oxygen
service including access to lightweight portable oxygen

My Mum has portable oxygen. It weighs 3.5kilos(ish) It’s not a light thing to carry. So, she needs oxygen because she has emphysema, but she has trouble carrying anything larger - because she has emphysema. People with lung disease can’t carry heavy stuff or walk far without oxygen - which is heavy. That’s adults. What about kids? What about the prem baby who needs oxygen and could come home if something lightweight and portable was available? There are lighterweight alternatives available but the NHS contract doesn’t cover them - yet. The alternatives are also cheaper. Would make sense to make them more widely available right?

I know there are many other illnesses and causes out there and I support many of them. This one isn’t close to home, it is in my home, part of my family. Please sign the charter. It’ll change lives.

Can’t be arsed to scroll back and find the link? Here you go: BLF Charter Go for it. 

Thank you.