Keith Hammond

You may know Keith Hammond, even those that don't know his name, if you've been around the scene you will have seen him with his stall selling northern soul items at events. Keith has been on the northern scene since it's roots in the sixties when we first met dancing around the clubs in the north east. Those people who know him will have noticed a decline in his health over the last year or more.

To get to the point and bring things up todate, Keith has only been out of his house twice in the last six months or more, those visits were not to events. His mobility is terribly restricted requiring a zimmer frame to support any movement at all.

Jeff Piggot and I concerned about his health have visited him twice recently. After the first visit I contacted Social Services because the level of care was unacceptable for any human being. Things were not much better on our last visit. Keith is living in two rooms downstairs. I have to be careful about describing Keith's situation but when you realise he is not capable of looking after himself you might imagine how bad things have got because of insufficient care being provided. He can't afford better.

Considering him being restricted to his home it should be obvious that the more pleasant that environment then the more quality of life possible.

Our aim is practically based. We would like to see the carpets and flooring downstairs to be replaced or introduced where non exist in the hallway and toilet. We will continue to press Social Services for support in other areas.

What can be achieved will relate to what funds are raised. I've felt a bit restricted in what I can say but hope it sufficient to get your support for anything you feel you can give. Keith would never have raised the problems he is facing being a proud man. He needs some dignity and we can do something to give him that.