| Many congratulations to Viv Seaman of Thorpe Bay, our winner of the special humorous writing competition for writers/carers in memory of Swanwick comedic legend and beloved friend, Deric Longden. Viv's memoir Trouble Balloons Up won the unanimous vote of Deric's widow, Aileen Armitage, and her daughter, Annie Quigley, from the shortlisted entries for judging. Viv's prize is an all-inclusive week at this year's Writers' Summer School, including en-suite accommodation for the week, plus all meals, courses, workshops, speakers and evening entertainment. Praise also goes to our two runners-up, Linda Canalella and Sue Williams - and, indeed, to all our entrants for the wonderful roles they play in the lives of the people they love. There are some amazingly selfless writer/carers out there and we send our love to them all. We can never thank the wonderful ME Association enough for their tireless support and endless generosity in helping to publicise - and run - the competition. Huge thanks also to Annie Quigley of Bibliophile Books for her kindness and enthusiasm in promoting the competition. | 
Viv Seaman with her husband Michael (this photo was taken on their Golden Wedding anniversary last year)
WINNING ENTRY Trouble Balloons Up by Viv Seaman RUNNERS-UP Lamenting Lettuce by Linda Canalella Cosily Confidential by Sue Williams You can read Viv's winning story by clicking on this link: 
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About Viv and her caring role
"My husband and I have recently celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary. About five years ago he lost most of his sight and is now registered blind. He is also profoundly deaf and suffers from polymyalgia and diabetes.
Although he is still the chief coffee maker and can manage other activities, walking and anything visual are incredibly limited. In the sense that I help him with many personal things, I am now his carer. I have also taken over driving, computer stuff, sorting out the electric when we get a fuse, dealing with bills and telephone calls and all those other things I've always relied on him for, including the cooking at which he was much better than me!"
"My husband and I have recently celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary. About five years ago he lost most of his sight and is now registered blind. He is also profoundly deaf and suffers from polymyalgia and diabetes.
Although he is still the chief coffee maker and can manage other activities, walking and anything visual are incredibly limited. In the sense that I help him with many personal things, I am now his carer. I have also taken over driving, computer stuff, sorting out the electric when we get a fuse, dealing with bills and telephone calls and all those other things I've always relied on him for, including the cooking at which he was much better than me!"
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