Thursday 9 June 2016

Bob Hill Discharged from Overdale Hospital.



Bob Hill.


Former Jersey Deputy, Human Rights and Anti Child Abuse Campaigner, Bob Hill was today discharged from Overdale Hospital. (Video below)

Regular readers will know that back in November 2015 Bob suffered a near fatal brain haemorrhage/stroke and was flown to Southhampton where, for a while, it looked touch and go, if he would survive the stroke, or make any kind of recovery. We reported on this HERE.

After 7/8 months of physiotherapy/speech therapy at Overdale Hospital Bob was able to return home today, something he has been very much looking forward to for quite some time now.

Throughout Bob's recuperation he has had solid support from his family, Alison and Catherine (his daughters) have been flying over regularly from the UK to be by his side and play a big part in his recovery. His wife Ann has (despite her own frailty from Multiple Sclerosis)  been a rock worthy of commendation, not least for organising their home conversion to accommodate Bob in his wheelchair so that he was able to return home as quickly as possible. Grandson Matthew has also been by his grandfather/mother's side throughout, whether it be visiting Bob at the hospital, or helping Ann out at their home with practical/manual support.

Watching the strength, and love, of Bob's family during this very difficult time has been both humbling and inspiring, and I am sure that strength and love has played a major part in Bob's recovery. Bob, and Ann, I know, are very proud of their family who are a huge testament to them.

Bob has a long way to go in his recovery as he is still paralysed down his right-hand-side and his speech has not yet come back as well as it could/will do. Bob's own determination has also been inspirational during his recovery and it's that determination, and his family support, that will get him back to his good old self. His "regime" of physio and speech therapy will continue now that he is at home where he will spend the next few days getting into a routine and familiarising himself with the new layout of the house and learning what he can/can't do and what he needs to learn to do in order to enjoy the new house as independently as he can.

The family have asked me to thank everybody for their support whether it be cards, phone-calls, visits, letters and positive social media comments. They have all been an inspiration and encouraging to Bob and the family.






76 comments:

  1. Was great to see Bob on Liberation Day, really glad he's now well enough to go home.

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  2. Full marks VFC for that short inspirational and emotional video.

    Looking forward to Bob back on social media whenever and in whatever capacity.

    Thoughts with him and the family. Nice to be able to say that in hope rather than sadness.

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  3. Beautiful video and fantastic to see the brilliant Bob so smiley. Just like to mention that my father was in Overdale for many months and the staff were brilliant. Jersey needs brave people like Bob. Thank you for continuously standing up against the power block to support the ordinary people. Bob, I'm so pleased to see you home- we all want you better ASAP. x

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  4. Best news ever! So wonderful to see Bob back home where he belongs, with the family that love him, and the public that have an enormous amount of respect for him. One of the 'good 'uns' that we could do with more of.

    Think book and bike Bob! That should be an incentive to good recovery.

    Thanks for all you have done for the survivors/victims of abuse also.

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  5. From former (illegally? suspended) Chief Police Officer Graham Power QPM.

    Wonderful to see Bob in such good spirits and back home again. A true fighter who does not know how to give in, a champion of the underdog and a tormentor of those who think themselves too big to be challenged. Let us all hope that he can soon return to active life. His focussed and relevant insights expressed through his blogs have been a powerful contribution to the political debate. Let us hope that we can soon hear from him again. Well done Bob and welcome home.

    Graham Power.

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  6. Great to see Bob well on the road to being his old self. One of that small band of real Jersey political heroes. Good luck Bob. Great to see you back home. Can only help your recovery.

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  7. Great news and thanks VFC for posting this. I am so glad!

    Daniel

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  8. Amazing man.

    Welcome home Bob.

    XX

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  9. Many thanks VFC for this wonderful news, having mailed Bob on numerous occasions he never failed to respond and always in a positive manner, this wonderful mans moral compass has only one direction unlike many we all know only too well. My very sincere and best wishes to you Bob and hope your further recovery is swift and you can perhaps once again start up your very much missed blog postings.

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  10. Great video vfc. Great to see you back home bob. Make sure you finish the book that you have been working on these past 150yrs. Love and respect always. Rico

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  11. You havn't sung your own praises, but you have also given solid support for Bob.

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    Replies
    1. If only we had some more like Bob Hill in the states today. Good to see him back home where he belongs.x

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    2. This is so very true Tony. I know VFC has been a stalwart for Bob and his family, and done far more than we will probably ever know.

      Another Good 'un!

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  12. Jon of Jons blank cheque book10 June 2016 at 12:20

    Welcome home bob let's have you back blogging soon..

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  13. Any recent news on Trevor?
    You said he was working on some projects some time back and how did Shona's ME walk go?
    If I missed an update, apologies.

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  14. Made our day to see Bob Hill out of hospital with a smile on his face. A true leader of the disenfranchised and thinking islander never shown to be afraid of calling it as he see's it. He also writes his blog as real statesman using fact and reasoned argument. A man of quality if there ever was one.

    Boatyboy.

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  15. Welcome back Bob , wonderful to see you again, keep smiling.

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  16. Former Deputy Trevor Pitman11 June 2016 at 11:26

    A slightly belated comment to say having just seen your video how absolutely brilliant to see Bob finally back home where he belongs with Ann.

    As other people have said Bob has been one of our best ever politicians, honest, straight talking and a real gentleman. Both Shona and myself send Bob all of our love and best wishes for a continued recovery.

    Ann and Bob's close family have been a tower of strength for Bob during his long stay in hospital so respect and best wishes to them too.

    You, Neil also deserve a big pat on the bag for your efforts in helping keep Bob's spirits up when times were really difficult - buy yourself a well-earned lime and soda and send me the bill! (Nothing more expensive mind!)

    If you are reading this Bob, and I know you always do read Jersey's best blog, you have obviously come a long way since we last visited you in hospital so just keep fighting and take each day as it comes. As Gill says, think book!

    Regards

    Trevor & Shona



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    Replies
    1. Every word is true. Bob really is one of Jersey's finest.

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    2. Trevor how pleasing it is to hear from you, only to day I re-read your excellent speech on the 'Introducing Jersey' blog and even though it was made some time ago it is without doubt even more relevant today than when you made it. Even though we were never familiar your dear old Mum and my Mum were side by side at the General Hospital and I did let you know at the time my feelings about the Island's political landscape (or should that be desert?) We as a people here in the Island were criminally wronged by Shona and your disgraceful concocted removal from our elected assembly. I can only hope you and Shona have found some peace from the cesspit of the chamber. But that aside it is such wonderful news that Bob is back with his family and with luck will once again be able to shine his piercing light into the dark corners of this Island.

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    3. So good to hear from you Trevor and Shona. I do so hope things are good for you, and pleased you are still following the 'news' albeit mostly bad, but Bob's return home shines a light amongst it all. Hope Shona's health is good.

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    4. Two of our finest, most honest former politicians praising and sending good wishes to another of our finest, most honest former politicians. What a nice change to the Jersey Way.

      Delete
  17. Better get a receipt for that lime & soda. The Establishment might grab at a chance to add you to the hit list by inventing a new prawn cocktail based law and doing a Lenny on you!

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  18. They still going ahead with changes to the telecommunications law next week does anybody know?

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  19. Of course. It's a done deal. They just don't want hard hitting polical blogging like the examples Polo put links to above. Click on and (re) read if you haven't done so.

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    Replies
    1. I think you may mean the links in this comment which is under the previous post.

      Link

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  20. Great to see Bob Hill back home and full of smiles. A lovely little video of light amongst the darkness. Also great to know that Trevor and Shona are fine and evidently in good spirits. How we could do with all three back in the Chamber now to sort out this most useless of all States. Keep smiling Bob.

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  21. Sorry to change the subject to todays States sitting.
    Deputy Higgins is asking Deputy Green more or less the same question Deputy Martin asked Senator Syvret 8 years ago:


    10. Deputy M.R. Higgins of St. Helier will ask the following question of the Minister for Health and Social Services –
    “Following the publication of the Children’s Services’ Independent Audit reports, what confidence does the Minister have in Health and Social Services staff and the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub to provide the service required by the Island to safeguard vulnerable children and adults?”

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    Replies
    1. Can I pre-empt his response?

      He will have every confidence in H&SS staff, lessons have been learnt and moving forward........ Of course, no heads will roll!!

      Delete
  22. Stuart Syvret should have given evidence to the inquiry if only as head of HSS for 6 years.

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  23. With today's States Sitting it only brings it home how we could do with Bob Hill, Trevor Pitman and Stuart to pursue the non-answers. Poor Mike Higgins must be sick of fighting a one man battle every time these past couple of years.

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  24. Has the debate now taken place? Were there some good questions? Did commonsense prevail for once? Did any of the other good guys back Deputy Higgins up? Sorry to be a pain. It's just that I am currently trekking through Peru on my way to Mexico and the old world service radio keeps going on the blink. Can't even get wonderful BBC Jersey!

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  25. RIP Blogging.

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    Replies
    1. I don't think so. All of the facts posted on this blog will stand up in court.

      Whereas Jersey's real cybermenace is likely to find himself on the wrong end of a restraining order pretty damn quickly.

      I positively look forward to every device he owns being seized and examined.

      Delete
    2. What cyber menace?
      Said in the states yesterday that laws can currently deal with bullies online whether it be Data Protection, harassment or threatening behaviour through media like facebook. This new law mainly brings in all the up to date telecommunication technologies like Bluetooth.

      Delete
    3. Data Protection and Libel takes years though.
      This new law will make things instant as the Police can act against people writing hate against others online and if your child is being bullied online this is a good thing.

      Delete
  26. What happened in the states today?

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    Replies
    1. On BBC jsy FB it reports the States passed legislation (40-5) that can get prosecuted for upsetting others online.

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    2. Hell the 40 upset us mere mortals all the time, does that mean we can send them to jail :)

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    3. La Moye will be pretty damned full much of the time then. We paid 'compensation' to the biggest, nastiest, States promoted cyber bully ever who also issued death threats to a thoroughly decent couple. What a total farce.

      If they can't stand the heat they should get out of that damned kitchen.

      Delete
  27. JH's empty bank account16 June 2016 at 13:46

    Like to add my voice to the many so pleased to see our former St Martin Deputy Bob Hill back at home.

    I can assure your readers that I am not alone in thinking our level of representation has plummets since Bob's seat was taken by the present incumbent, an individual who must be an even less effective Planning Minister than his predessors.

    Could I end by enquiring whether you might be doing a new post in the impact of the misguided vote this week regarding the new internet law? I feel someone prominent has to raise the issue again.

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  28. Jonnie Boundover16 June 2016 at 19:56

    So King street Bowron is getting 1.45 million of new software. No excuse not to put old JTM away now then!

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  29. First if three programmes on BBC4 about the great thinker Karl Marx tonight in about 15 minutes. Ought to get Ozouf, Gorst, MacLesn and the other clueless Thstcherites running us into the economic abyss to watch it.

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    1. JH's empty bank account16 June 2016 at 23:21

      Never been much of a radical but when you our capitalist primadonna Senator gifting £400.000 of our money to a company that it seems was probably a scam think the old bearded thinker was probably right after all. Fair play to Reform for shouting about it.

      Delete
  30. KingofKnothing.

    Hold on just a minute, has spin it Ozouf actually told the truth by mistake ? What a gaff.

    http://planetjersey.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2429.msg60946;topicseen#msg60946

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  31. Has Ozouf of London and spin mister actually told the truth by mistake. What a Gaff ?

    http://planetjersey.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2429.msg60946;topicseen#msg60946

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  32. Just a thought but as you have obviously been a great support to Bob, how about helping him with a short guest post giving his thoughts on the current state of play? Might be a real boost and I for one would love to his take on things.

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  33. Not publishing comments on the JEP breaking the new internet harassment law then?

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  34. Best wishes to Bob for a speedy recovery now he is home.

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  35. Bogged Off Big Time18 June 2016 at 12:43

    We would say think positive - back in the States to help purge the worst bunch of clods in living memory come 2018. But we wouldn't wish that on anyone no matter how much you are needed. Good people like you Bob. Trevor, Shona and Stu likewise are better off out of it. The people who voted for these idiots in the COM have made Jersey's bed. Now the rest of us have to lie in it. Last one out please turn the lights off!

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  36. Good luck Bob. You did Graham Power proud.

    Time to think about yourself and the missus.

    Let the joke of a States rot. Would only vote for about four of them even if I was paid.

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    Replies
    1. 4? You must have spotted a couple of decent ones I missed!

      Delete
  37. Reading the emails pointed out on your excellent local blogs, is there any reason for your Housing MInister called Anne Pryke to be sending sunny wishes from Barbados by email unless she was on a self funded holiday ? A little strange as the States was supposed to be working. Was this another jolly on the Jersey Tax payer. A fair question

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  38. You are quite right. But trust us. The further away we can keep Pryke from.making decisions the better. Useless.

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  39. JH's empty bank account18 June 2016 at 16:13

    Why still no reports in the State Media regarding the recent very worrying vote on an impossibly flawed internet harassment law? As I know very well we need this sorted most urgently.

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    Replies
    1. I agree with JH. I'm sure he voted for one of the great Reform Jersey Deputies like Monty Tadier as I did. They seem to stand up for democracy every time.

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    2. JH's empty bank account18 June 2016 at 16:40

      Hi anonymous.

      Yeah I did vote for Tardier I think he is great. With all his brilliant questions on where our tax money goes I really think he should be in charge of PAC instead of that rubbish Andrew Lewis.

      Delete
    3. Monty does a pretty good job generally and at least he is always on the right side.

      Delete
  40. Replies
    1. "This blogger wonders why a reputable report finds [2015] such failings, the current Health Minister apologises [2016], but the rest of the media turns a blind eye and no-one seems to be talking about it... and yet if you turn the clock back to 2007 you may recall the Health Minister of the time, poll-topping Senator Stuart Syvret, was hounded out of office for exposing exactly the same kind of findings concerning the failings of Jersey's care services! When will the island ever wake up and admit that Senator Syvret was correct? A highly intelligent, articulate and capable man, genuinely caring and not out to feather his own nest, in a position of power with an ear to the ground hearing exactly what was going on, and STILL the establishment and local trolls seek to discredit him for trying to bring serious problems to the fore and address them? Difficult not to despair, sometimes..."

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  41. Good luck Mr Hill. Stuff the States. Enjoy your home. You have earnt it. Thanks for your efforts for Jersey. Like the rest of the handful of ex-politicians who get mentioned here you can hold up your head with pride.

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  42. Maureen Sharrock19 June 2016 at 22:00

    Lovely video. What a great politician Bob was. These days all we have fighting for the common folk are Deputy Higgins and Reform Jersey.

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  43. So I see the COI is winding up its final public hearings. Can you tell us what this last bit is about VFC? Thanks for all if your hard work helping make the COI possible while on the subject. You are a credit to real journalism.

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  44. For disgraced Crown Officers like the Bailhache/Birt wrecking crew waiting for the COI report must be like Blair awaiting the weapons of mass destruction Chilcott investigation, chocolate skiddues time.

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  45. What's happened at this inquiry, radio says its attacking Police officers?

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  46. RIP Jacques Chartier.

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    Replies
    1. Can anyone verify this sad news? Another hounded victim of the police and AG protected drunken troll.

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    2. I have had this very sad news confirmed today, by a most reliable source. As Anonymous above says another victim of the Jersey Way.

      RIP Jacques.

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  47. Thanks Bob for all your hard work in and out of the States, you are one of the best I agree with others on here rest and enjoy your family.

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  48. Six months for the phone harrassment21 June 2016 at 23:18

    Very sad indeed and even sadder that the JEP have learnt nothing. Giving the psychotic troll licence to verbally abuse people with the drunk's pathetic avatars. RIP JC.

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    Replies
    1. I know this blog rightly steers clear of giving the troll oxygen but maybe this new internet law is needed when our island newspaper is promoting worthless Jon in attacking any who have done the right thing at the Care enquiry. Most days this week the target has been Monty and Reform Jersey for trying to represent working people. Anyone who defends them Jon claims must be Sam Mezec. Today it is his old obsessions Lenny Harper and Trevor Pitman. A sign of lost the plotness probably being that the well known Tim South is apparently now really Pitman because he stands up for Harper. With all of his well known childishly insulting fake IDs, TPs bounced cheque, the bald bankrupt blah blah on top of his usual King of kings, Petal, Mediator, Ally King, Graham 73 etc you can't really argue the paper is unaware of allowing this behaviour from a person who clearly has mental problems. On the subject of Jacques I only met him once but seemed like a genuinely nice man. Condolences to his family and friends.

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    2. Whoever keeps on writing this troll stuff is no better than a troll.

      Any latest news on Adrian Lynch?

      Delete
    3. 2am and drunk in charge of a computer22 June 2016 at 14:41

      Nice bit of distraction and shamefully attempting to hijack the Adrian Lynch tragedy. Should you not be back on the Rag's on line pages attacking Lenny Harper and Stuart Syvret for their selfless efforts?

      If you genuinely care about Adrian than why not say something meaningful? Like why isn't Bowron being dragged over hot coals for leading such a shameful cock up of an investigation and search? Without this blog poor Adrian would be forgotten already.

      Delete
  49. Hope Oliver Glasgow QC can sleep at night with his hatchet job on Harper.

    What Glasgow actually understands about 'modern' police work can likely be summed by his objections to Harper getting rid of civilian police staff.

    Staff who amongst other things let a police laptop be given to teenager off spring to use at university. And another laptop in which LH revealed porn films had been stored.

    Wasn't there some recording equipment wrongly purchased for use by one of the staff for his music hobby too? Well done QC Glasgow. Standing up for law, order and truth!

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  50. The police will do anything they want to to get promoted in there work that includes mental torcher tampering with evidence this I know to be true as I'm going through it.the sojp are the most corrupt in Europe.

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  51. The points being made about this new and rushed through law about on line harassment and it being blatantly flouted by whoever runs the JEP's website for them are very important.

    How will a blogger such as those at Team Voice be prosecuted when you can turn around and point to clear, deliberate abuse being condoned by a professional newspaper and the perpetrators not being prosecuted?

    Such issues need a blog post of their own. Just a shame we had to get on to this important issue on a blog meant to be about Bob Hill. Although to be fair I believe he has been a victim of such behaviour too?

    Good luck and best wishes if you are reading this Bob.

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