I’ve been a journalist for more than 40 years and, with changes in the industry that I often find depressing, there have been times when I’ve thought about retiring and finding time to play more tennis, padel, and golf.
The growth of clickbait, irritating pop-up adverts, trivia, too many editorial cuts that have inevitably led to falling standards, and the enablement of anonymous keyboard warriors to publish their hateful thoughts in the comments sections of news websites. It’s all part of a commercial model in undoubtedly challenging times for journalism, but it’s sad to see.
That said, the bottom line is that I can’t stop telling stories about great people doing great things. Yes, I run a family media business, but I don’t get paid for most of what I write. I do it because people ask for help – and they deserve to be given it.
I’m therefore delighted to see campaigning Weardale mum Louise Hodkinson make Page 1 & Page 3 as well as my page in today’s The Northern Echo. Louise, whose nine-year-old daughter Freya has Tourette’s, is magnificently determined, passionate, and eloquent. An inspiration.
It’s a pleasure to tell the story of her fight for better support for children with Tourette syndrome.
Well done also to the Tourettes Action charity, Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland, Hartside Primary Academy & the Advance Learning Partnership for responding so positively.
Please read this, especially if your are a GP or in a position to do more to help families.