http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8041374.stm
Summary
After 13 days, an injured soldier finally completed the London Marathon. Major Phil Packer lost the use of his leg in Iraq. This however did not stop him from attending the marathon. His goal was to collect £1m for the Help For Heroes organisation. He would not be able to participate in the marathon if the doctors were not there. He was advised not to walk more than 2 miles a day. He also tells us that he did not do the marathon for himself, but for the people who are not able to attend the marathon. He really has a strong passion toward the charity.
Reaction
This is a beautiful article. It tells us the story about a man who fought, and who is still fighting for his country. He is fighting for all the people who need help when stationed in a war zone. And he is fighting for all the people who are not able to fight anymore. He attends the craziest activities, only to gather money for the Help For Heroes organisation. This man is not giving up yet. He is fighting to help those who are in need of help.
zondag 10 mei 2009
Injured soldier
Cancer children infected
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8040546.stm
Summary
Researchers say that they have to do something to prevent cancer patients from dying by infections. The also say that it is possible to do that. The treatment to cancer has been improved. Nevertheless, 25% of all the children who have cancer die because of infection and not by cancer. People who suffer blood cancer have a greater change of getting infections because this cancer already lowers the immune system. For a lot of the infections there already is a treatment. This raises the question, why there are still children dying by those infections.
Reaction
I am shocked by this news. They are getting better and better in curing people who have cancer. Dying from an infection during your treatment is scandalous. This can be, and should be prevented. Those people are fighting so hard to get rid of cancer and it is so difficult. We should at least guarantee them that they will not die because of an infection. They really should be more careful with treating their patients.
Pub shootings
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/merseyside/8042393.stm
Summary
Four people were injured during three different incidents. All the incidents took place in the west area of Merseyside. During the first incident three people were injured. Two guys on a motorbike drove by and shot on those people. They were being struck by shotgun pellets. The second incident was in the same street and was a man on a motorbike who shot at a pub. In the third incident a security guard was shot in his leg. Fortunately no one was killed. There is no clear motive.
Reaction
I think this is starting to get normal news. I am not shocked anymore when I read those articles. I am very glad the people were not severely injured. I think this is not something typically English. This happens all over the world and, most off the time in specific problem areas. The people are advised not to drive through the area. This can not be asked. Every area in the world should be save to drive through. Especially in western cultures were we have the possibilities to fight these crimes.
Autistic boy got lost
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/8042378.stm
Summary
In Devon there is a major search going on. They are looking for the 17 year old Richard Eckton, who ran away from his carers. Richard is autistic. Several teams are looking for him on land, as well as in the water. It is crucial to find him as soon as possible. They are very concerned about him because he got lost in a woody area with a river nearby. When you see him you must call him by his name. This to make him feel more comfortable. Do not look him in the eyes though.
Reaction
I think it is very wise to start such a large rescue operation. The boy is autistic and is probably not able to survive on its own. Looking on land as well as in the water is the most effective thing they can do at this moment. This shows that they keep all the possibilities open. I hope he is still alive, but I think he might have died. This because of the cold.