HOW appropriate, for me, at any rate, that Roger Malone's sympathetic article about Caroline Keane's alcoholism and the follow-up letter from John Simes appeared in the Times.
Appropriate, because I was reminded that during my raging 12-year battle against chronic alcoholism, my first steps along my own particular road to Damascus, began in Tavistock.
John Simes implies that there is too much secrecy surrounding alcoholism. I agree with him, so let's get it out in the open, especially since the World Health Organisation has recognised alcoholism as an illness since the early 1960s.
So let's initiate a countrywide education programme and inform the public that alcohol dependency is an illness and not a character weakness.
Had I known between the years 1956-1968, what was wrong with me, I might well have avoided those horrendous ramifications of alcoholism, such as several terms of imprisonment, lengthy terms of homelessness and an aversion to working for a living.
And I know from experience that the booze has destroyed better men, (and women) than I, including doctors, barristers and other professional people.
Fortunately, it all changed for me in 1968 thanks to the marvellous ministry of Canon Malcolm Widdecombe of Bristol and his friend the Nazareth Carpenter.
I am pleased to say that we remain good friends to this day – and yes – Malcolm is the brother of the next Tory prime minister, Ann Widdecombe.
Laurie Cahill
Holcombe Manor
Holcombe
Nr Bath