Quotes of the week

‘My message to the city is, let’s think bold and radical, because only bold and radical will sort this out.’

Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt as unveiled her latest ‘radical and bold idea’ to resolve transport problems blighting the city.

‘I just wanted to shout at somebody. I was so angry.’

Dad Robert McDowell, whose disabled sons were left stranded miles from their home after seven bus drivers refused to let them on board.Brothers Travis, 12, and eight-year-old Braydon McDowell were stuck with their two carers after a day shopping in Commercial Road, Portsmouth.

‘I just work there! I do my bit, like everybody else and I would never have thought that people will have taken the time to say nice things about me.’

Support worker Lesley McGuiness, who works at the Amulree Assessment Centre in St Mary’s Hospital in Milton, as she picked up the Unsung Hero award at The News’ Best of Health Awards.

‘The key message that I’m trying to get out there is that people can actually do something to reverse the diabetes, much like I’ve tried to do with the eight-week plan.’

Mark Hancock, who was chosen by NHS England to be one of the faces in its annual Stay Well This Winter initiative after he lost an astonishing amount of weight despite having diabetes.

‘In all the years we’ve watched it, to be actually taking part, it’s such an honour – we’re totally over the moon.’

Poppy seller Louise Purcell who, with her husband Chris, joined members of the royal family and government ministers at the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall after raising more than £500,000 for the Royal British Legion.

‘I just can’t get my head around it – it really is unbelievable.’

Havant mum Clare Payne, who was outraged at being told she was unable to use her disabled parking badge when she took her daughter to a walk-in health centre.