Monday, September 18, 2006
Redditch, Worcestershire: Kate Brookes
Mums’ Army campaigners are fighting to better their neighbourhoods across the UK and Ireland, but there are people who are unable to fight back — they need our help.
Kate Brookes, of Redditch, Worcestershire, wrote: ‘My husband Paul and I are both retired and disabled. Paul is blind and teenage yobs have mugged and attacked him with flour bombs near our home.
‘A few weeks ago yobs shoved us around in our local shopping centre and purposely stood on our guide dog Carlo’s paws and laughed.
‘I worked as a nanny for 20 years and used to love working with children and young people, but I wouldn’t want to do it now. There would be no yob culture if children were disciplined from an early age.
On our very first trip out with Carlo, kids threw lit fireworks at him. They went off around his legs and under his tummy, and ever since then, he has been terrified of loud noises. We have to sedate him on bonfire night.
‘We have also had our garden destroyed. It cost £2000 to repair — a lot of money if you are on disability benefits. We have had to go to the expense of installing CCTV, a community lifeline system and a house alarm.
‘I always feel nervous when a group of kids approaches us and Paul has to take a taxi whenever he goes out without me now because we know that it’s not safe for him to go alone. His independence has been taken away.
‘I applaud Mums’ Army and wish we were able to join the fight — please keep up the good work. Children must be taught right from wrong. Let’s bring back discipline and respect.’
Kate and Paul with guidedog Carlo
Kate Brookes, of Redditch, Worcestershire, wrote: ‘My husband Paul and I are both retired and disabled. Paul is blind and teenage yobs have mugged and attacked him with flour bombs near our home.
‘A few weeks ago yobs shoved us around in our local shopping centre and purposely stood on our guide dog Carlo’s paws and laughed.
‘I worked as a nanny for 20 years and used to love working with children and young people, but I wouldn’t want to do it now. There would be no yob culture if children were disciplined from an early age.
On our very first trip out with Carlo, kids threw lit fireworks at him. They went off around his legs and under his tummy, and ever since then, he has been terrified of loud noises. We have to sedate him on bonfire night.
‘We have also had our garden destroyed. It cost £2000 to repair — a lot of money if you are on disability benefits. We have had to go to the expense of installing CCTV, a community lifeline system and a house alarm.
‘I always feel nervous when a group of kids approaches us and Paul has to take a taxi whenever he goes out without me now because we know that it’s not safe for him to go alone. His independence has been taken away.
‘I applaud Mums’ Army and wish we were able to join the fight — please keep up the good work. Children must be taught right from wrong. Let’s bring back discipline and respect.’
Kate and Paul with guidedog Carlo
# posted by Mums' Army @ 9:42 AM 
