I write as the mother of a son who suffered with psychosis, and who had to battle with mental health services to have him receive the treatment he needed. I am impressed and astounded by Celeste Calocane, the mother of Valdo Calocane, who carried out the 2023 Nottingham attacks. She insisted the system was broken, and her evidence clearly illustrated that.
On top of everything else she has gone through trying to navigate the system, fearing for the life of the son she loved when he was so unwell, and the terrible outcome that followed, she then had to experience the ordeal of being examined about her role in not preventing the outcome. It was horrible to watch, and she handled it so well and so strongly. She is an impressive and outstanding woman.
I am very grateful for what she said to the chair at the end about the system being broken. I long for her words and evidence to be taken on board and acted upon.
I am grateful that Celeste was brave enough to endure this ordeal and to speak so strongly, challenging the system, which fails not only the patients but also those of us who care for them, and of course the public at large, who may have to endure terrible consequences such as the Nottingham deaths.
If the system remains broken, this terrible pain will continue.
Name and address supplied
