Below is a
Press Release, which confirms the sad news, that former Deputy Bob Hill has
suffered a severe brain haemorrhage and is being treated at Southampton Hospital
in the UK.
Regular
readers will be aware of Bob due to his tireless work on Human Rights Issues,
campaigning for Abuse Victims and survivors, and also writes his own excellent
BLOG.
We hope
readers will show their support for Bob and his family.
“Former St. Martin Deputy and Human
Rights Campaigner Bob Hill, suffered a severe brain hemorrhage on Thursday
12th November.
Bob was taken by Ambulance to the Jersey
General Hospital where he remained overnight and was air lifted to Southampton
on Friday and where he remains today in a critical condition.
Bob’s wife Ann Hill has said that “Bob
is as strong willed and determined as anybody she has ever known, and that he
will be drawing on every bit of this will and determination to pull through.”
He is surrounded by family members
at the Southampton Hospital where they say his care, and treatment, has been
first class.
Bob’s family are naturally distraught
and ask that those who pray to please spare a prayer, and for those
who don’t, please cross your fingers, or spare a thought for him during
this critical period.
The family would like to thank those who
have sent their well wishes and their support over the last few days.”(END)
Our thoughts
are with Bob and his family at this time and pray that he makes a speedy
recovery.
A thoroughly decent man and one of the very few truly honest politicians I ever met. Thoughts are with the family.
ReplyDeleteHear, hear! Hang in their Bob.
DeleteVery sad news - I'm not into faith in the usual way but maybe miracles do happen. If there is anything to do on the practical front make sure that we know what it might be.
ReplyDeleteTerrible News. My heart and thoughts go out to Bob and his family through this difficult time. Come on Bob win this fight and lets have you back ASAP. A top man. I pray that we get some good news soon. x
ReplyDeleteDesperate news, Neil. Have never met Bob but have corresponded with him. Wonderful selfless man and a giver. Please tell family I have all my fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteFrom former Chief Police Officer Graham Power QPM.
ReplyDelete"This is sad news about an outstanding individual and determined campaigner on behalf of the disadvantaged and the abused. As a politician he knew right from wrong and made enemies as a consequence. In retirement he campaigned against injustice and sought to hold the powerful to account. Whatever the outcome of his current situation he has made a positive difference to the lives of many people who saw him as a champion for the rights of ordinary citizens and a relentless critic of those who thought themselves to be above challenge. We can now only hope that he makes a recovery which enables him to enjoy the long and happy retirement which he surely deserves."
Well written Graham
DeleteTruly sad news, and knowing the man I am sure he will have he strength and resolve to pull through this. A decent, honourable man whose aim was to get justice and truth for those who were fighting a battle against the Jersey Establishment. Committed, honest and decent. If only there were more like him out there. Everything crossed for you Bob. Pull through and get back on your trusty, rusty bike and get that book finished xxxxx
ReplyDeleteBob is a good man and a good friend. Very sad to hear about this.
ReplyDeleteHis contribution to Jersey society by fighting for human rights causes for almost a quarter of a century is so admirable and I wish him a speedy recovery.
Very sorry to have heard this news.
ReplyDeleteServed in the Met Police at the same time as you and on "H division. Prayers with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the press release Team Voice. Both of us were deeply saddened to hear about this yesterday. Bob is, just as other people have said, one of the true good guys.
ReplyDeleteA man who worked as hard standing up for what is right in the States as he did for his St. Martin constituents. Indeed his multiple election victories over so many years speak for themselves; just as does the fact that only a couple of weeks ago Bob was still fighting for justice on behalf of people in giving public evidence at the Care Inquiry.
We will both be thinking of Bob in the coming days and willing his full and quick recovery.
Fully agree with Shona and Trevor. Bob Hill is one of the 'true good guys'. All the best to you Bob and your family.
DeleteSpot on comments from Shona and Big Trev. Bob is a legend as far as I am concerned and like the 'Pit bulls' has stood up to be counted time and time again for the victims. Keep fighting Bob. X
DeleteIf any one can pull through someone like Bob can. Echo every sentiment expressed above.
DeleteServed in Met Police at same time as you Bob. Also on "H" division. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm deeply saddened - and angry - at the plight of Bob Hill. He is that rare thing in Jersey political culture, a good and courageous and conscientious man, and a pearson of genuinely independent thought and action.
ReplyDeleteHe should have been able to enjoy a peaceful, relaxed and unstressed retirement. Instead he has had to carry on the fight for truth, decency and justice on behalf of the powerless and the wronged, against a polity of such naked decadence and depravity it's a godless off-spring of ancient Rome.
The battle against corruption and the oppression of the weak in Jersey should have been taken up and won easily enough by a majority of decent members in our legislature. But we don't have anything even approaching a majority of such people representing us. Instead we have an obvious accretion of half-wits, empty social-climbers, spivs, avaricious crooks, air-heads, gangsters' molls, and obedient useful idiots.
There's a saying people get the government they deserve. I know from personal experience just how difficult it is - and burdensome it is - trying to be an honest person in Jersey politics. Bob should have been able to rest - but he couldn't because he knows the importance of trying to do what's right.
The good people get slandered, rejected and burnt-out - and the population chooses the worst ever State's assembly in the history of Jersey. Sadly the island's going to pay a terrible price for it's choices.
I hope Bob recovers speedily, and then casts aside the burdens of trying to do the impossible - trying to fight for what's right in fundamentally decadent community - and instead looks after himself.
Stuart Syvret
So sad to hear this. A gentleman and all round good man. Will say a prayer for you Bob even though I am not religious.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear this news,Bob is a true gentleman and one of the best of the good guys. Our thoughts are with his family and warmest wishes are sent on a speedy recovery
ReplyDeleteDear Bob and Family - our thoughts and prayers are with you at this challenging time. May you have a speedy recovery. An honest decent and kind man, I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteBob is a true gentleman with a heart of gold who has always stood up for the underdog even after leaving politics. Prayers are with Bob and his family.
ReplyDeleteBob does not deserve this and neither do his family. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteI was only speaking to him last week on the telephone, so this comes as quite a shock. I do hope he makes a good recovery, although that will probably take time, and needs support of family and friends. All my prayers with him and his family. A really decent man.
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news to hear this, he is a decent man and I wish him especially and his family my thought and prayers that he recovers from this soon xx
ReplyDeleteBob,
ReplyDeleteThinking of you. Get well soon
What a lovely honest man, the true definition of integrity and intelligence . Our thoughts are with a true champion of the people, even in retirement hardly thinking of himself, he worked and fought on, helping vulnerable people. Our thoughts and prayers are with this great man and his family.
ReplyDeletePaul Letherbarrow and partner.
Not just a fine and honourable politician, and a doughty campaigner: a man who cares about the island's history too (having worked a little with him on the lost farms of St Martin). Hang in there Bob - and my thoughts with Anne and the family too.
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news, one of the great men of our time. Thinking of him and his family.
ReplyDeleteThis is sad news indeed. I hope Bob can recover fully and enjoy his well deserved retirement. I've been fortunate to share in correspondence with him, and his delight in his daughter's photography talent touched my heart. As others have said, he is a man who knew right from wrong, and his integrity is unwavering.
ReplyDeleteElle
Good luck Bob
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you have done
Such worrying news. My fingers are tightly crossed for him and his family. Bob's a decent, honest chap who worked tirelessly for the under dog, for justice and human rights, The awful campaign by the PERCHARD and RICHARDSON families in St. Martin to oust him was despicable and St. Martin has lacked a decent politician ever since. Also the parish has 2 very known honary policemen with incredibly bad. nasty reputations. St Martins is the location of HDLG, a despicable, evil place. In essence St. Martin's and its key families stinks. Keep fighting Bob and sorry to rant on about that horrible parish.
ReplyDeleteThe Perchards? This wouldn't be the useless Jim-bob Wrist-Slasher clan would it? What a contrast with the thoroughly decent, committed to justice and the ordinary public Mr Hill! Best wishes Bob. A whole lot of we plebs are rooting for you.
Deletemy fingers crossed and thoughts go to bob and he s family for a quick recovery as with all above a good decent man
ReplyDeleteVery sad news indeed, I hope he fully recovers.
ReplyDeleteI know it's a little soon but is there any update on Bob or his condition? I am still praying for him and his family.
ReplyDeleteBob’s condition remains the same in that the next week or so is a critical period. I have been in contact with Bob’s family who are at his side and as things start to calm down a little they will try and pen a short update for publication on the Blog.
DeleteThe supportive comments are a huge confidence boost for the family and have been read to Bob and the family are very, very, appreciative of them.
Will publish an update as soon as is possible and thanks to everybody for their kind, and supportive, words/comments.
Bob has shown himself to be a true fighter and I am confident this is another battle he will fight with the dogged determination he is so famous for. Come on Bob we are all rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteWishing Bob a full and speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteAlso wishing all the best to Trevor Pitman for his appearance before the inquiry tomorrow.
Once thing that Bob would not want campaigners to do is to lose vigilance. This coming Thursday morning, 19th Nov at 10am, a witness will be appearing before the inquiry whose name is still "TBC" according to the timetable. Given that Mick Gradwell will be appearing the next day, it is possible that TBC = David Warcup.
That might be fascinating testimony. I can't imagine what these discredited coconutters could even say, now.
DeleteElle
My very best wishes to Bob for a full recovery.
ReplyDeleteShocking betrayal of all people like Bob have fought for in the truly abysmal range of questioning put to Bob's former colleague Trevor Pitman today at the Care Inquiry. This was a key witness by anyone's standards and the Care Inquiry wasted him. No wonder more and more people are reluctantly concluding this will.be just another whitewash. Maybe Philip Bailhache was right in wanting it closed down - if for all the wrong reasons. Frankly he and the other untouchables really need not have worried.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely so true. It was just a quick 'whizz through' of his time as a Youth Worker, and no interest shown in the remainder of his very relevant evidence which I know he had taken a lot of time and effort to collate and prepare. Shockingly amiss on the part of the CoI and hugely disappointing for Trevor. However, being the feisty character he is he did take the opportunity to put some strong opinions across.
DeleteI too sadly am now starting to have my doubts. I just hope I am proved wrong.
I don't wish to be disrespectful to Bob, he is a real gentleman and I wish him a dpeedy recovery. But are you likely to be able to get an interview with ex-Deputy Trevor Pitman sometime soon? The report on ITVs website suggests his evidence today must have been explosive
ReplyDeleteActually being there anonymous I can say it was obvious the full evidence WOULD have been explosive if only the Care Inquiry had allowed him to give it. Clearly this they did not want. I find it harder and harder to defend those leading this investigation. I note Mister Gradwell is up on Friday it will be telling if he is now afforded carte Blanche to attack the likes of the ex-Deputy who did so much to hold Gradwell to account.
DeleteI am hoping to publish an in depth interview with former Deputy Pitman concerning his appearance at the Child Abuse Inquiry. All going well it should be published at the weekend.
DeleteThat is great news VFC. As a reader says the reporting on Mr Pitman's evidence in the JEP tonight is disgraceful. I guess they just can't let go of the fact that the Pitman's were brave enough to stand up their bullying all those years ago? Or could it be that the rumours Trevor Pitman talks at length about the company's pet, abuse concealing Jurat and so-called 'Rag rapist' in his written witness statement are true? Really can't wait for it to go on line!
DeletePoor Bob Hill would be so angry about this latest news. Get well Bob we are all thinking of you. God bless.
DeleteFingers crossed for Bob, top bloke
ReplyDeleteThe JEP has excelled itself again tonight.
ReplyDeleteNice big write up on the innocence of Andre Bonjour.
Nice half page on Roy Boschat with attacks on Lenny Harper thrown in, followed by a tiny write up on Trevor Pitman with a mention that he went bankrupt and had to leave the States at the end.
Typical.
I think the police force post 2010 came out of it pretty poorly being described as "shambolic" so I am told for not disclosing evidence.
DeleteAndre (I don't recall) Bonjour was a very interesting character. When it came to the ranks of police officers and the dates they were promoted etc he had what appeared to be a photographic memory. Yet when it came to slightly more pressing subjects he couldn't seem to recall the answer.
When his transcript becomes available it would be an interesting exercise to search the words "I can't recall" to see how many times he said it.
Mr. Bonjour's evidence, as far as I recall it, consisted of "it was all John Pearson's fault" and "I can't recall."
I've said often enough people get the government they deserve.
DeletePeople also get the "public inquiry" they deserve.
I told you so.
Stuart
Topic: Child Abuse Inquiry - Real or Whitewash?
Deletehttp://planetjersey.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3870.msg60523#msg60523
Well worth a read and here's THE LINK.
DeleteEversheds Whitewash covers up anything*
DeleteSpecial Jersey Offer. Two cans for the price of Three!!!
£10,000,000 and still charging.
Slap it on, buy time, and do a bunk.
Let the punters count the cost as it turns to dust!
*Please read what it doesn't say on the can
For best results, view from a distance in poor light
Not for professional use
Extremely Dangerous to children
Tell me if I am being daft. But if, as the reports say, former Deputy Trevor Pitman (I voted for him in 2008 and 2011I am happy to admit) has provided details of a significant number of letters from both lawyers and parents discovered, signed for and then 'gone missing' shouldn't this trigger a police investigation starting with the alleged Civil Servants' who had the material last? This stinks and the fact that I am told Trevor Pitman had to force this information into the public domain around his apparently lamentable questioning even more so. Perhaps Stuart Syvret is right in his contentions if this the way an 'independant' Inquiry treats a key witness for the victims?
ReplyDeleteHave had a brief message from Bob's family. Firstly they would like to say thank you for the wonderful support and people taking the time to comment online. They are currently waiting to hear news as to whether Bob can be moved to Jersey hospital (hopefully) in the next couple of days.
ReplyDeleteI have had an update on Bob.
DeleteHis family have said that, all going to plan, he will be moved from Southampton Hospital today and admitted to Jersey General Hospital.
They also asked me to reiterate their thanks for all the support and well wishes. The family have been “overwhelmed and the comments have been a real comfort.”
Further update on Bob.
DeleteHe has now been moved from Jersey General Hospital to Overdale. He continues to make progress in his recovery and is managing to speak a few more words. It's a slow process but it is moving in the right direction.