The Annual Memorial.....

.....in London Waterloo.

Every year now for the past 10 years, my friends and I have gathered in Waterloo, to remember our friend (and brother, son and uncle) who passed away from vCJD.....the human strain of Mad Cow Disease.

A lovely lady named Francis organises the event every year. We all meet up; families from all over the UK, for a few drinks, some lunch, to share some memories and to chat about whether there has been any progress or change in treatment for the disease.

At 12pm we walk to the river; just on the corner where Westminster bridge meets St' Thomas', there is a plaque of remembrance, this is where we stand and dedicate one white rose to each and every person we know of who has passed away from this illness.

And every year the list is longer.

Yet every year I notice there is still no mention of the illness in the news.

Years ago when the disease hit the headlines, you couldn't go anywhere without hearing about it, but now, it's almost as if it has been eradicated.....but the sad thing is that, it has not.
I really think people need to be made aware that this awful illness is still out there affecting people. The papers may no longer deem it as news worthy but it has to be spoken of.

Anyway.....despite the torrential rain we all had a lovely time. It was nice to see the familiar faces we only get to see once a year. Francis tells us that funds are running low and she's getting older, so we fear that there may be only a few more memorial days to come.....we offered to do some fundraising and fingers are crossed for many years ahead to remember ?