Sarah Whitehead
Sarah Whitehead (VM7684)
HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx. TW15 3JZ
Sarah was sentenced on the 30th June 2008 to two years for removing a beagle from a garden where it was kept muzzled in a wooden cage and regularly beaten. She is also awaiting trial in relation to charges in connection with the SHAC campaign.
Birthday: 12th February
What you can send: Cheques/postal orders made out to ‘The Governor’. Books, stationery, stamps; an SAE. Write Sarah’s name and number on the back.
Letter from Sarah, 1st November 2009
“Yo to my Bloods on road – I swear down, Bronzefield is bare gas!”
Okay, enough of prison talk – Hi everyone! Nicole and I feel part of the furniture now. The only excitement we have had recently was being moved lock, stock etc. with our thirty eight fellow wing inhabitants to another houseblock. We all went into exactly the same cell numbers but now we are one hundred feet nearer to the gym and the prison exit! Don’t ask me why this manoeuvre was carried out but at least it gave prisoners the chance to complain (“this cell is dirtier than my old one” – well, clean it then). My photo gallery on my old cell wall was a work of art thanks to all of you sending such beautiful animal cards and photos. I’m really enjoying putting them all up again. Someone came into my cell the other day, looked at the wall and said “you’re weird” and went out again. Could have been worse (if any of you watched Bad Girls!!).
The news is full of the troubles in Afghanistan and, as with all reporting from war zones and disaster areas, my thoughts go to the suffering of the animals there. A former Marine has set up a charity (www.nowzaddogs.co.uk) to rescue dogs in Afghanistan. In a country where dog fighting is legal, this group is doing amazing work. It’s hard to imagine animals standing a chance in countries like this where people are denied any basic rights, although ironically the Taliban banned dog fighting as un-Islamic. I’ve just read Malalai Joya’s book “Raising My Voice”. She is a female Afghan MP fighting corruption in the government and putting her life on the line daily to help her people. She has to stay at a different address every night to avoid assassination, but she will not be silent and never gives up. As I sit in my cell, safe and secure, I think about Malalai and all the brave people who face adversities we could never imagine and I really long to be out there, raising my voice for all the animals who have no-one to fight for them. Prison life may be easy but I never forget how much the animals need us and how hard you are all fighting and I wish I could be with you.
Since I’ve been in prison, six of my dear animals have passed away – my five wonderful bunnies and my darling old cat, Tilly. They were all unwanted and needing shelter when they came to me and I can never repay my friends who have taken my place and loved and cared for those dear souls, and who continue to spoil and adore my remaining animals – thank you a million times.
I’ve become an Oasis expert as every three months I can change my property ration and I’m allowed more Oasis CDs. It will surprise some of you to know I also got a Led Zeppelin CD sent in last time! Nicole has gone downhill I’m afraid and sings along to JLS, word perfect! She also watches The X Factor (sorry Nicole, but I did warn you I’d tell on you!) and we have indignant discussions the morning after someone gets booted off the show. If it wasn’t for the fact that we can’t phone and vote, I’d say she was singlehandedly responsible for John and Edward being there at all! By the way, if anyone out there has any influence, I’m waiting for a visit from Dermot O’Leary (I’m guessing the VO has got lost in the post Dermot??).
Thank you to every single one of you who writes to me. I feel as if I know you all personally now. You are all so kind and thoughtful. I really have everything I need in here (except the keys!) but thank you for all the offers of books etc. If you really want to do anything, maybe you could donate to Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary in Essex (www.towerhillstables.com). It is run by Fiona Oakes, a vegan world class marathon runner and amazing fundraiser and she really deserves our support. Thank you!
Take care and keep raising your voices for animal liberation everywhere.
Lots of love,
Sarah xxx
Letter from Sarah, 18th August 2009
Hi everyone
Everything is fine here at Bronzefield. I have finished my sentence for rescuing the dog Freddie (who is very well and happy) and am now on remand for the SHAC charge (conspiracy to blackmail). I have pleaded guilty and get sentenced after the trial (probably March 2010).
I’m loving the gym still and have become a weight training fanatic! Nicole and I are on the same wing and see each other all the time. She is busy transforming the prison gardens and getting lots of compliments.
To our great joy, we had a visiting fox for a few weeks and saw him day and night! It was so wonderful to see some animal life apart from birds and the occasional mouse. He’s gone now, the food obviously bored him eventually!
Prison life continues to be very easy. We get vegan toiletries and treats on the canteen, making life very good!
Thank you to every single one of you who writes to me. I really appreciate every letter. I especially love photos and stories of your animals. My cell wall is covered with them and I feel very much at home! I miss my own animals more than anything but knowing they are happy fills me with such joy.
Thank you so much to my dear friends. The first year has flown by and I know whatever sentence I get, time will go very quickly.
Best wishes to everyone!
Lots of love
Sarah x