Be caring (From Barry And District News)

Be caring

Be caring

IT was a pleasure to read the letter in last week's Barry & District (April 22, 2004), regarding Billy Rawnson. It's nice to know at least one person cared enough about him to put pen to paper. Thank you Mrs Steele.

Living just across the road from Billy, I remember when his dad died; Billy, being the eldest of three boys, suddenly had to become the man of the house, helping to bring up his younger brothers until they left home, though he couldn't bear the thought of leaving his mum, so stayed to care for her.

He was four years of age when he moved to Devon Avenue, and has lived there for 53 years - the only home he has ever known. Ironically, he worked for the Council for many years, cleaning the streets off Holton Road, until ill health forced him to leave the job he loved. The residents in the area wrote to the Barry & District, saying what a pleasure it was having Billy around, always singing and smiling. There will be a lot of people sad to hear about his plight when they realise it's the same Billy they praised for making their day a little brighter.

So please Council, don't let Billy be taken away from the only home he has ever known and the garden he loves and has nurtured all these years. He just couldn't cope. He suffers greatly from panic and anxiety attacks, and severe depression. His only family is one brother living in Barry. Would it not be better all round if he and his brother could live together in their family home, and look after each other? It would be a kinder, and probably cheaper solution to the problem.

Leslie Marsh (Friend and ex-neighbour)

Barry Road

Barry