Why it’s so often victims’ loved ones with nothing to gain & not suits in Westminster who make this world a better one

THE past three years must have been an unimaginable living hell for the grieving families of Barnaby Webber, Grace ­O’Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates. First came the gut-wrenching shock and heartache of losing their loved ones in the 2023 Nottingham knife attack. The past three years must have been an unimaginable living hell for the grieving families of Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar Credit: PA Barnaby, Grace and Ian’s families have turn their grief into a fight for justice Credit: PA Then came the sickening truth — that those innocent, precious lives could have been saved if people had simply done their jobs properly. If paranoid schizophrenic Valdo Calocane had received proper mental health care, Barnaby, Grace and Ian could still be alive today and their families would be living a normal life, looking forward to birthdays, Christmases and summers on the beach. How they have found the strength to carry on is extraordinary. Despite their loved ones having their own futures stolen, the parents of ­Barnaby and Grace and Ian’s sons united to ensure that others wouldn’t suffer the same fate. This week — thanks in no small part to their tireless campaigning — it was announced that Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust could now face corporate manslaughter ­proceedings because they supposedly cared for Calocane from May 2020 until he was disastrously discharged back to his GP in September 2022. If found accountable, they deserve proper punishment and those families deserve credit for forcing it to happen. As heartbreaking as it is, they will finally be able to take some comfort in knowing their children and dad would be so proud of what they have achieved. Tragically, they are not alone. Why are grieving families forced to fight on to ensure the so-called justice system does its job? Armed with passion, anger and determination, they battle with all their might because they have experienced the ­failings of the government, police, NHS, parole board or prison system first-hand. They step in to insist that significant changes are made to protect the rest of us. But why doesn’t the system work in the first place? This week PC Andrew Harper’s widow Lissie spoke out to stop the early release of offenders, including two of his killers, to tackle extreme jail overcrowding. PM Andy Burnham is now reviewing the law. She has already done her bit by ­getting Harper’s Law introduced so mandatory life sentences are given for those who kill an emergency worker while committing another crime. Many heartbroken families like these have made it their life’s mission to keep the pressure on and hold authority to account. Lissie Harper has fought to stop the early release of criminals, including two of her husband’s killers Credit: PA Two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, were being considered for early release under Government plans Credit: PA After Martyn Hett was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, his mother, Figen Murray, led the ­campaign for a law requiring venues to have counter-terrorism security ­measures in place. She won her fight for Martyn’s Law. Following the murder of Sarah Payne in 2000, her mum Sara battled so that parents and guardians have the right to ask police if someone with access to their child has a ­history of sexual offences. That became Sarah’s Law. And after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse died from an allergic reaction to a Pret A Manger baguette in 2016, her parents fought to get full ingredient and allergen labelling on all food made on premises and pre-packed for direct sale — known as Natasha’s Law. Politicians often talk a good game about reform, but it isn’t the suits in Westminster who win these battles. It is so often the loved ones — ­ordinary people with nothing to gain for themselves, selfless people who make this world a better one. There is nothing more powerful or honest than the voice of a family member, who isn’t seeking revenge or closure but justice for the people they love. We remember the names of the victims. We should also remember the loved ones who turn their grief into courage to protect the rest of us. Wined back the clock, Amanda? Amanda Holden says she earns her holiday wine with a run – and at 55 she’s got every reason to show off her bikini body Credit: Instagram AMANDA HOLDEN is on holiday and posted a snap of herself in Corfu, announcing: “And so begins – the annual onslaught of bikini pics. You have been warned.” Good on her. She’s 55. She looks amazing. She deserves to show off that figure and works hard for it. She eats healthily but allows herself treats, and her favourite rule is “running for her wine” in the summer. Which is a philosophy I’ve often adopted. Just so you know how it goes, your average glass of wine takes a 20-minute run to eliminate. Sadly, that means a TWO-hour run if you knock back a bottle at the weekend. A bit of pain but worth it if you don’t want to put on the pounds. A real video nasty Zoom calls are a modern misery – why pretend to be face-to-face when a phone chat will do? Credit: praetorianphoto TO Zoom or not to Zoom, that is the question – and I, for one, can’t stand it. This week, travel consultant Laura Tait successfully sued her employer for disability discrimination because she felt “super-anxious” after being asked to have her camera on during a video call while working from home. It sounds like she found the whole thing a nightmare, describing an “overwhelming” situation and having to leave meetings. I, however, simply find video calls utterly annoying. They’re distracting and performative, and I have only ever done about a dozen in my life because I dodge them at all costs. I often work from home but, because I’m not one of those slovenly mums who do the school drop-off in jim-jams, I actually get dressed, put on some slap, do my hair and look presentable at my desk. I would look fine on camera if I were forced to. But what is the point? Why, for a quick, piddling chat about something usually unimportant, do people obsess over electronic calendar invites, suitable backgrounds and flattering video angles? Call me old-fashioned, but pick up the phone and have a natter. You’re not in the same room, so let’s stop trying to pretend that we are. It’s ridiculous. Fergie foul Fergie’s ‘father figure’ admission about ex Paddy McNally is bizarre Credit: Shutterstock Editorial HOW sad that Sarah Ferguson’s ex, F1 tycoon Paddy McNally, has died. She dated him before she married her Andrew, and they stayed close afterwards. She even lived briefly at his Swiss chalet after being evicted from Royal Lodge, and could now be set for a megabucks windfall from his will. Which is all very strange in itself. But while reading about their relationship this week, I saw that Fergie also called this man – yes, her ex-boyfriend, below – her “father figure”. Yuck. There are so many things I find repulsive about her and Andrew. But this almost tops the lot. PM’s a wed cert Andy Burnham’s No10 North has sparked wedding chaos with brides facing security at Manchester register office Credit: PA SO, the new No10 North is causing chaos in Manchester. This is nothing to do with politics but everything to do with weddings, because it’s based in a building called Heron House, which is also the city’s main register office. That’s where The Geordie and I said: “I do.” Now, brides are arriving for their big day to find police officers and security. Some have even suggested that Andy Burnham could pop in for their ceremonies. I may not be his biggest fan but it’s a shame this new pop-up fake Downing Street wasn’t there for my wedding day. It would have been a bit of a talker to have “Mr Eyelashes” fluttering at the camera in our photos. Sussex sussed Meghan and Harry’s holiday snap sparks security blunder fears after a restaurant menu gave away their location Credit: Instagram GOOD of Meghan to share her holiday photos on Instagram, showing Harry and the kids looking so happy. Very cute. Playing in the sand, adults giggling over wine, kids in Boden-type attire – you get the idea. But how very stupid for a couple who keep banging on about needing security to include an image which clearly shows a menu from a beachfront restaurant in the Setubal district of Portugal. Bet you’ll never guess where their holiday home is now, will you, folks?