News
downsmail.co.uk Caitlin is TV voice of hospice
A SCHOOLGIRL from Maidstone is fronting a new TV campaign to raise awareness of Demelza chil- dren’s hospice. Caitlin Goodsell (11), from Kingswood, recites a poem to ac- company a commercial going out in the Meridian and London region. The youngster,whoattends Corn-
wallis School, was born with so many holes in her heart that doctors were amazed she survived. But de- spite after a series of illnesses and operations, she is determined to lead a normal life. After being born twoweeks early,
her concerned GP sent her to Maid- stone Hospital. From there, shewas rushed to the
Royal Brompton and Harefield Hos- pital in London. Mum Ingrid said: “It transpired
her heartwas full of holes.We could have lost her at any point.” WhenCaitlin (pictured)was a year
old and being fed through a gastric tube, a visiting nurse suggested the family could borrow a feed machine from the Demelza hospice in Sitting- bourne, to save Ingrid and husband Barry having to get up every three hours during the night to feed their daughter manually. Ingrid said: “It was life-changing
for us. As well as Caitlin, we had Sam, a lively toddler and we were both trying to hold down our jobs. We thought Demelzawas for end of life care.We never en- visaged we would need their help.” Over the next four
years, Caitlin under- went six major heart operation. Then she suffered a stroke and
lost her speech. Ingrid recalled: “The doctors said: ‘Just keep talking to her’ – and even-
tually her speech returned.” Today, Caitlin has reduced mobil-
ity in her right arm and leg but her condition is stable. She has an elec- tric wheelchair to help her in school and a normal one for days out. She enjoys riding and swimming,
aswell as drama and singing. Ingrid said: “Caitlin’s condition
and medication is a worry to people outside close family, so Demelza of- fers us the equivalent of a “sleep- over” with her friends. She likes to use the hydrotherapy pool.” Caitlin’s commercial has been
made thanks to Swale Heating who donated £26,000 worth of its own air-time to the charity. The firm has given nine of its top
TV advertising slots a month to Demelza. The 30-second advert pro- motes the charity’s work and prompts viewers to text to donate. Following the recording at the Sunlight Centre, Gillingham, Caitlin said: “It was brilliant to be asked to be the voice for Demelza, even though I was nervous. I felt like I was speaking for all the other chil- dren who use Demelza.”
More police officers join the beat
ANOTHER 54 police constables have begun patrolling Kent’s streets this week after completing fivemonths of initial training. Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scottwas among those at- tending the passing-out ceremony at Kent Police headquarters, Maid- stone, along with his guests Dartford MP Gareth Johnson and Police and Crime Panel chairman Mike Hill. Mr Scott said: “Kent Police is hav-
ing to tackle new threats like cyber crime and terrorism – aswell as an
Chief Constable Alan Pughsley, Mike Hill, PCC Matthew Scott, PCs Benjamin Long and Jake Roberts, and DartfordMP Gareth Johnson
increase in reports of domestic abuse and child sexual exploitation – but the force still needs to provide effective neighbourhood and roads
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policing. So, I'm sure the people of Kent andMedway willwelcome the news of 54more PCs being deployed to their communities.”
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