Anyone seen this piece on Riven in the Guardian?

[LindsayWagner]

It's here.

Reading again the details of her daily life reminds me a) what an astonishing woman Riven is and b) how ashamed I am to live in a country which can treat its most vulnerable members with such disdain.

I'm so glad the Graun are following up on her and Celyn's story. She says she's tired of campaigning - of course she is. I can't imagine where she found the reserves of energy in the first place - imagine it's similar to people finding superhuman reserves of strength when their lives are under threat.

There seems to be a bit of a lull in coverage of these issues at the moment, while everyone waits for the full effects of funding cuts to become clear. But at some point the gob-smacking, almost-inconceivable reality - that the cuts are being carved out of the daily lives of families like Riven's, who probably thought their lives couldn't get any harder - will be impossible to ignore. I really, really hope we don't let this one go.

OOh i just missed her ,What do you think Riven will you accept our help ?

I'll also gladly chip in for the cost of a cd player for Celyn, Riven. What a woman you are!! However I do understand how difficult it is to accept help. If it will make her happy though and give you the odd break for a cup of tea surely it will be worth suspending your (admirable moral qualms for a bit? :D

Well said!!

Taps fingers patiently waiting for Rivens blessing on this

Flashmob is a great idea

Say if the money were given to some entirely unrelated mystery benefactor who bought a cd player with the collected dosh and then 'realised' they didn't need it so put it on Freecycle and then another totally uninvolved person saw it and just happened to mention...

Liking your style Alice.

I am really touched at the offers but seriously ladies, i do feel very u comfortable accepting money. Theres lots of needy families out there and it feels not right that just cos i am shouty in the papers, people offer.
I am saying this very clumsily. I really appreciate it but just cant take money.

Riven - you are absolutely right about anti-cuts groups/campaigns; I keep wittering on about this on here. But don't forget 'the sky is falling' because the debt/deficit is the same as ever and the same as equivalent countries. Phillip Green is just, well, more important than us scrounging spongers.

I understand Riven. But (and I am being selfish here) I would feel better about myself if I knew that some money I donated was going to such a worthwhile gift for your daughter. Anyway, I'll stop banging on about it now....

Riven that is a great article. States exactly what the problems are and how to start sorting some of them, if only they'd actually do something about it

Agree with Lindsay, you are an astonishing woman & Mr.Riv an astonishing man

Another vote here for donating something towards Celyns CD player, don't feel bad, you haven't asked for it, we want to help and we will feel all offended if you don't accept

cheers k999. but should have name changed. dammit. forgot.

Also, must respect Riven's opinion on this.

oops x posts!!

Would it be beter Riven if we got enough together to buy Celyn a CD player and an extra one to donate to another family or an institute? Then someone else can benefit from your publicity? People really want to help.

That's a great idea MRD!

Riven - If you want me to flash mob Downing Street with a nappy on my head, then I'll do it.

Just let me know when!

Hooray, you're here!

Very very keen to contrib to cdplayer - it's a blardy mild luxury in other circs riven, at a tenner or so. And though take yr point about many others having sim needs, we'd be contribing not because you make a noise but because you're you and we know and admire you.

And I'll VERY gladly wear nappy on head outside Downing St..

Agree with LindsayWagner you havent asked for this riven,its something that we feel we can help you with.And its something we want to do.Please have rethink on this and accept some help.God knows you can do with a bit of a boost.

Am cheered at the nappy flashmob. Will pick a day and get going on fb and twitter.

Riven Just wondering if Peachy passed on an attachment I sent to her for you? Not sure if she's away at the moment?

Not as far as i know by i dont have email and havent for some time. My computer wont boot up past the Bios screen. Cos it hates me.

riven sorry for hijack but been dying to ask you have you seen an omi board(think i have spelt that right)

Sorry to see this.
Just a word of caution. Last time the thread did get a bit mad and it got carried away.
We are here to suport you Riven. but lets try and make sure it stays as calm as it can be.

What do you mean Oblomov?