Parallels drawn with protests at time of Ripper

CAMPAIGN CALLS to make the streets safer for women must be heeded, politicians have said, acknowledging parallels between vigils today and protests held in the time of the Yorkshire Ripper.

Leeds city councillor Al Garthwaite, among those to host a vigil to murdered woman Sarah Everard this weekend, also helped to organise Reclaim the Night marches in 1977.

There had been anger then at the blaming of women for violence they were subjected to, she said, and while progress has been made there is more to be done.

“We have to make the streets safer for women,” the Labour councillor said.

“It was really important to have a vigil to mark this, not just for Sarah

but for all women killed as a result of violence against them.”

Vigils were hosted live online across Yorkshire on Saturday evening, as people lit a candle in memory to Sarah Everard who was originally from York.

In her former home city flowers were left outside the Minster in tribute to the 33-year-old, with those who attended in person encouraged to peacefully disperse.

In Halifax, there was a minute’s silence before a tribute in song, while in Leeds, women shared their own experiences before the names of those killed at the hands of Peter Sutcliffe were read out.

“To see women sharing their stories was extremely powerful,” said Coun Garthwaite. “It is vital that we remember all women who are subjected to male violence.”

THE mother of a Wakefield youngster living with a brain injury has opened up about helping her son live his life to the full and to raise awareness of the lifechanging condition.

Luke Firth was born prematurely in March 2002 and at just over a year old he became unwell.

After his condition deteriorated and following a CT scan he was found to be suffering with hydrocephalus – an accumulation of fluid within the brain causing increased skull pressure.

As a result Luke underwent surgery to relieve the pressure, and has since developed motor incoordination and behavioural difficulties.

He was also diagnosed with severe developmental delay, and at the age of 10 he was found to have permanently lost the vision in his right eye and requires round-theclock care.

Some estimates report one to two of every 1,000 babies are born with hydrocephalus.

Luke’s mother and father, Sharon and John Firth, said it was initially “very difficult” to accept that their son had the condition.

Mrs Firth said: “We noticed he had a very large head and he was generally a very sickie baby, but it took many visits to the GP and hospital before we actually found out about his hydrocephalus.

“It was such a shock at first and we were absolutely devastated but relieved that finally a diagnosis had been made and treatment provided.”

Now nearly 19, Luke and his family want to share their story and make others aware of the signs of the condition.

Mrs Firth added: “Luke didn’t have the easiest starts to life. While we can’t change what Luke has been through, we’re determined to make sure he can live life to the best of his abilities.”