Plea for help

It did something indescribable to my heart when I opened today’s edition (Weekend Herald, October 1). I didn’t know Cassandra, but one of my granddaughters did.

I think they met in Starship on the ward where, at the very end, the anorexics are placed, sometimes with a guard to stop the absconders. The nurses are genuinely very caring, I cannot fault them. However, my granddaughter managed to walk off the ward and into the night on one long-stay admission. She is still anorexic, with all the complexities your article speaks of. Our struggle to get help echoes Cassandra’s.

Our girl, although very unwell, is still with us. How, I don’t know, but somehow she is. She now comes under adult services and cannot be admitted against her will unless courtordered.

We know she loved Cassandra and she was devastated when she died. My heart goes out to her parents and any other families going through this. Please help us get the help our precious children need.

Gaylene Kennedy, Titirangi.