In praise of unsung heroes

Trade unionism has always been built on the efforts of the unsung heroes who are prepared to give their time and energy to help others - and to help others understand that we are stronger when we stand together.

I am just on my way home from visiting the bedside of one of those unsung trade unionists, 'Steve', my Lewisham NUT treasurer.

Thanks to his good sense in calling 999 over Easter - and the ambulance crew who knew he would be best looked after at St.George's in Tooting - he has pulled through after over a week in intensive care. True to form, he's already trying to be discharged so he can come to the NUT Office and sort out the bills! (Doucement, Steve!)

The staff in the Cardiac Unit have done a fantastic job - more unsung heroes working longer hours than they should be in our underfunded public services.

Before knowing that my friend and colleague was going to be unwell, I had already volunteered to take part on the London-Brighton bike ride in June, sponsored by the British Heart Foundation. With this news, I feel that I should now go out and appeal properly for sponsorship. 'Charity' must never be a substitute for proper funding of public services but the donations can be one way to show support for Steve and thanks for those who have helped him.

If you can help, please sponsor me via my justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/martin-powell-davies/

UPDATE: I am very pleased to report that Lawrence has returned home from hospital this Bank Holiday weekend