William Verden likes playing out with his friends. He likes to go to the driving range, hit some balls, go for a long walk.
Every day he does his schoolwork, naps, watches TV. William loves his mum and dad and his brother and sister.
And this could be his last Christmas.
The 16-year-old’s autism and ADHD mean he rips the delicate tubes needed to keep him alive out of his arms.
He can’t help it. He knows he shouldn’t but he can’t help it.
He told his mum Amy: “My tubes keep me safe. I don’t want to die.”
But the decision is being taken out of his hands.
Medics say William’s behavioural problems mean he is too difficult to treat.
They want to place him in palliative care. End-of-life care.
Amy has vowed to fight this decision.
She says if her son were bed-bound or in pain she would understand the decision.
But he isn’t. He’s a lively, funny, bright boy who Amy says is doing ‘brilliantly’ despite the challenge he faces.
The case will make its way, inevitably, to the High Court.
And of course, experts will make their case. Is this boy beyond treatment? Can he be saved?
William deserves a chance at life. If there is any possibility, any chance, that medics could help him, he deserves it.
Solicitors working with the family say Amy only wants what everyone wants for their children: The best possible life and future for her boy.
CHANGES ARE OVERDUE
Changes to the parole system are due to kick in next year.
Opening up hearings to the public should make justice more accessible and let people have a better understanding of the process.
This week, double murderer Colin Pitchfork was arrested again.
Just two months ago, in the face of opposition from the victims’ families, MPs and justice experts, he was released from jail.
Now, although he has not committed an offence, his behaviour and attitude have been enough to cause concerns for the probation service.
The changes cannot come soon enough.
Rehabilitation is one thing, but if we can’t guarantee the safety of the public when people are released from prison then it calls the whole system into question.
