Richard Attenborough

[Windthrop]

I can't bear the thought of dear Richard suffering any more than he has already and, if it is now in the extreme, I'd beg God for mercy. "Brain damage" is the final straw.

But, having read the article, I find it hard to understand why David would say "He probably won't be making any more films" at a time like this. 'Quality of life' is the most important thing, and to know that Richard "can converse and watch television" is very reassuring.

I can only wish him good health and a speedy recovery, as people normally do, but when I become aware of someone's decline it weighs heavily on my mind, even long after it's over with [Deborah Kerr]. Either way, I hope his distressing situation ends soon (preferably to get better).

The greatest name in post-War British Cinema deserves better than this.

Would guess that his brother has announced the retirement because and has revealed more to end questioning from the press and public. He has had a rough time in recent years to say the least with the loss of family in the Tsunami and the loss of his health and deserves his privacy. The Daily Mail published a picture of him leaving hospital looking in a poor state, which was unecessary. He was heard on The Last Word talking about Richard Todd sounding very frail and a bit confused and that was very sad. He has, as Elaine says, got a great body of work which we can access at any time and his humanitarian work has been substantial. If he can enjoy his football and is surrounded by his family his final years are not that bleak.

[didi-5]

It is all very sad but I wish Lord Attenborough all the best in his retirement. He does indeed deserve to live out the remainder of his days away from the prying eyes of the public and newspapers, in whatever enjoyment he can. I also feel for Sir David as it must be very difficult for him as they have been close siblings all these years, and also difficult, I imagine, to discuss family matters like this.