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Meeting with Melanie Onn MP

I delayed writing a weekly update because I was scheduled to meet Melanie Onn MP today and hoped to share definitive news afterward.

Today’s meeting was already a rescheduled one, originally set for 12th April, but postponed due to Parliament’s emergency session on British Steel. I accepted that rescheduling with understanding.

Long story short, I arrived at the venue early, only to find it locked and empty. It was a church hall, so I knocked, just in case. Eventually, a man answered and informed me there was no MP surgery today; the next one would be in a fortnight.

Naturally, I double-checked the email confirmation: I was in the right place at the right time. It’s just that no one else was.

The emotional build-up to this meeting was immense. This wasn’t a missed haircut or a delayed dentist appointment. Since July 2023, we’ve been trapped in a cycle of being ignored, dismissed and let down. Every day, the damage to Lizzie grows deeper, the roots of coercion and exploitation more entrenched. Today’s meeting had offered a glimmer of hope, a possible turning point. Standing alone outside that locked hall, the despair and sense of abandonment were overwhelming. Whether it was a mix-up or a mistake, I won’t know until I follow it up on Monday.

I had hoped to bring good news. Instead, it’s been yet another crushing disappointment.

Caseworker Meeting

Despite today’s setback, there have been positive signs this week. In preparation for the MP surgery, I met with the caseworker for a progress review, and left feeling genuinely optimistic.

I know our claims sound extraordinary: that a vulnerable young person has been groomed and exploited, while the police, social services and DWP have acted in ways that have supported the perpetrator’s aims. Yet the evidence supports us. The caseworker clearly took our concerns seriously. I didn’t sense any doubt about the validity of my account or the gravity of the misconduct we’ve faced. The caseworker was appalled by some of the council responses (or lack thereof) which only reinforces our case.

I also shared the Father’s Day video I made for Lizzie last year, along with the many letters we received from friends and family. They paint a clear picture: Lizzie was deeply loved, happy, thriving and securely attached to her support network.

Our message has been clear, consistent and unwavering from the start. Over time, the truth will become undeniable.

Linkage College

We are awaiting the next report, which should arrive shortly. I recognise it may have been delayed by the Easter holidays.

The Burden of Waiting

Why is everything taking so long? The burden of waiting is unbearable. Yet, the steady accumulation of evidence and transparency of our case will, eventually, make it impossible to ignore. When it finally does ‘hit the fan,’ those responsible will be held accountable. Moreover, I hope our ordeal will help challenge and reform a broken system, so others won’t have to endure the same nightmare.

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Thank you for reading. If you have any insights, comments or advice, please feel free to add them below.