YOUR SHOUT

»Fiona, for months now I have expected some musician or singer to sing a song to the NHS, and others, for their help during this horrible year. But nothing has transpired so far. I’ve had the lyrics and a tune in my head for months, not knowing what to do, and waiting for clever musicians to do it as I do not want any publicity.

It’s called Thank You For Being There For Me. You are the only person I have told, except my wife, because you always seem understanding and helpful. I do think someone should sing a big thank you to all those who’ve gone above and beyond in their efforts to help. I am in my 80s and both my wife and I have had hospital treatment this year, so we know just a fraction of the problems they face. Hope you and your family have a nice a Christmas. Vic, via email

FP: What a lovely idea, Vic. Maybe you should send your lyrics to me and I’ll put them on my page before Christmas. You never know who might see them! PS: Would you let my husband and sons know how understanding and helpful I am, please?

»Fiona, I simply can’t find it in me to enjoy Christmas this year. What is there to celebrate when so many people having lost their lives? I can feel a general downbeat tone about everything right now – it’s so depressing.

Marian, via email

FP: It certainly is, Marian, but we can’t let it overwhelm us. There have been some amazing stories of kindness amid the gloom, with our peerless NHS, the beating heart that has, literally in many cases, kept us all going. That’s something to celebrate and we must never forget that as we slowly move forward once this horrible period is over.

»Fiona, I’ve done all my Christmas shopping online this year, for the very first time. I simply cannot face shopping with all the restrictions in place and some people behaving very oddly, tut tutting and swerving out of the way, as though they’re the only ones affected.

Julie, via email

FP: Yes, I definitely know what you mean, Julie! I’ve seen plenty of that going on. Some people really are owning the whole terrible situation as though it’s everyone else’s fault, but not theirs. Thankfully, the rest of us are getting on with it as best we can.

»Fiona, I really agree with Darren Gough’s call to ban stars who know how to dance from entering Strictly… what do you think?

Maria, via email

FP: I took part in the same series of Strictly as Darren and I can assure you he really didn’t know how to dance at the start of the series, but grafted and ended up winning it! Like you, I tend to agree with his view.