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| Lara's Grey eye glances |
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| Lara in her best mood! |
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| No hat stays on for long! |
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| 30 Jul 2008 20:58 |
| From: graham mccrory Location: dublin |
| Hey Nick how are you ,just finished your book,wow what can i say your a very brave man,I have a 6month old baby girl myselfs so at least i know some of the feelings you have felt in live ,
Again well done there is not many that could go through what you did,, Take care and enjoy,,Graham |
| 28 Jul 2008 19:50 |
| From: Oliver Turner Location: Manchester, UK |
Hello Nick
Just finished reading your book - took me only 1 day as I was so engaged with it. Its difficult to say I "enjoyed" it for obvious reasons.
Thank you for sharing and doing what you do.
O Turner |
| 27 Jul 2008 20:14 |
| From: fenella Location: staplefield |
After seeing your speech that you gave to the criminology students and teachers at Brighton I bought your book.
I take ages to finish a book but consummed this in a couple of days. Fascinating to read your remarkable journey and i am sure that you are an inspiration too many who have heard your story.
Hope life gets better
Fenella hunter. |
| 23 Jul 2008 14:41 |
| From: Dawn Vowles Location: Isle of Man, UK |
Hello Nick
I just wanted to say i wish you and your family the happiest life together. I have just finished reading your book, which i finished in days because i was unable to put it down. Towards the end, it made me cry when you were talking about your parents and brothers with such love and respect. After everything that you endured you still came out of it with love,the most important thing in the world. God bless you Nick Yarris,you made me so grateful for everything. God surely shines through you. Have a wonderful life with your beautiful daughter and wife.
Dawn. |
| 23 Jul 2008 10:07 |
| From: David Haythorne Location: Manchester England |
| Hello Nick, i have just come back from a holiday in Spain, while at the airport i picked up y our book 7 days to live to read on the beach. What a story, i could not put the book down. It brought tears my eyes the way you overcome such madness that is very often in this world. Just goes to show you that no matter what you should never give up hope. So happy for you that your life has turned around. Stay happy and enjoy your lifel |
| 18 Jul 2008 14:17 |
| From: wayne Location: dublin/ireland |
7 days to live nick.its the first book ive ever read and im 26 years old it was only when i read the back of your book and saw what was wrote there it made the hair on my arm stand up and that never ever happened before in my life something that i read could do that.so i began to read your life story how in this world did you do it .everything you went throught is a nightmare 21 lock up for something you had`nt commit its crazy to think if that was another man the same age same life style would it be sucide for that man.i loved your book man any chance doing another 21 years and write a new one ha ha ha.if buy any chance could i get my book signed.thanks for the journey mate
|
| 07 Dec 2007 19:36 |
| From: hatty Location: oxford (cherwell school) |
Hi Nick or should i say hello?
Thank you for your speach at cherwell the other day, everyone said it was really moving and inspirational! It was really good speech!
My sister was so jealous when i told her about it!
Hope you have a nice life and keep doing your talks :)
Hatty Taylor 9mdn |
| 07 Dec 2007 14:56 |
| From: Felicity D Location: oxford |
Hello!
Thank you so much for your talk at our school yesterday.
You were amazing and very insperational
I will definately leave a comment in 10 years to tell you how your talk has done me good.
Your story really got through to me - i cant wait for your book to come out
Thanks again
Felicity xxx |
| 07 Dec 2007 14:48 |
| From: Jordan Location: oxford |
| You spoke at my school, Cherwell, yesterday (7/12/07) and I just left you a message to say that I found your speech very inspirational and that the grit and mental power you have shown in your life was amazing.
Great speech and thank you. |
| 06 Dec 2007 22:14 |
| From: Tim Caldecott Location: Penmaenmawr Wales |
I was lucky enough to be at the Manchester conference last week and found it amazing that somebody who had been so harshly treeted for something they did not do could immediatly upon release try to carry on as normal a life as possible.
I found what you had to say thought provoking and was surprised to hear that there are still people on death row who are innocent yet will be put to death on the say so of police and circumstantiol evidence.
In todays modern society you would think that misscariges of justice was a thing of the past after hearing what you had to say i now realise that this is not true.
I am so glad that you have a good life and that you are able to speak for the minority locked away awaitng the death sentence.
I have attended many courses and listened to lots of so called proffesionals but i found what you had to say has stuck with me and i hope that in time i will be able to help some of these people who are wasting their lives away for something they did not do.
Can not wait for the book to come out. |
| 05 Dec 2007 10:44 |
| From: charlotte & Rachael Location: exeter |
| hey we were wondering when your book will be available as we found your lecture very interesting and we would like to learn more. thankyou from rachael and charlotte (may remeber us) |
| 05 Dec 2007 10:26 |
| From: Lauren Dommett Location: Torbay, Devon |
Hello,
I went to your conference in Torquay on Monday, and i found you and your story absolutely fascinating. I am really interested in psychology and law and intend to make a difference in life. You talking on Monday gave me so much inspiration it was unbelievable. I still can't really believe all of that stuff actually happened to you, you looked so confident with yourself, really something to admire.
Thankyou so much for talking to everyone, i know we all appreciated it, keep up the good work! And good luck with the rest of your life. I will definately be buying your book. When does your book come out?
from Lauren Dommett xxx |
| 03 Dec 2007 22:08 |
| From: caroline keech Location: Cornwall |
Dear Nick
Just a note to say I had the pleasure to attend your talk today in Torquay as part of the Truro College group. It was an amazing experience I think everyone should have the opportunity to listen to your story as it puts the stresses we think we are under in everyday life in complete context.
It is testament to your strength as a human being that you have overcome the injustices and abuses that you experienced and that you are making a success of your life. I was so impressed with the articulate and humble way in which you described your life, and in a society where individuals often blame others for their actions your honesty in the part you maintained you played in your downfall was so commendable.
I found your story completely inspirational and illustrative of the power of the human spirit to overcome complete adversity.
Good luck in all you do
Caroline Keech
Ps your daughter is adorable! |
| 03 Dec 2007 20:37 |
| From: Steff Benton Location: Bude, Cornwall |
| Hello, I was one of the students at the Crime Conference today. I and many others found your story very compelling; no-one seemed to be able to take their eyes off of you out of fascination, and it was all we could talk about on the bus journey home.
I just wanted to thank you for coming and sharing your story with us. It just shows what you can get through with the determination, even when prospects look bad. I will- without a doubt- be buying your book next year.
Best wishes for you and your family, and have a very happy Christmas.
Steff. x |
| 02 Dec 2007 16:52 |
| From: sarah senier Location: wales |
i recently saw you and the crime conference in manchester
i cannot put into words how much youve changed the way i think about pretty much everything
i was incredibly moved by your story
you're an inspiration to me
and, although it may not be much, but i've told all my family&friends about you&your story, i've put links to your webpage anywhere i can and im trying my best to get other people to realise that these things really do happen
i hope you have a lovely and happy life
hearing you tell your story will stay in my mind forever
sarah x |
| 30 Nov 2007 23:35 |
| From: Liam Jones,20 Location: Llandrillo College, north wales |
i attended the crime conference today in manchester uni and had to check your site out straight away, to be onest majority of the conference was very boring and i kept falling asleep, but when you came along and spoke out i could of listened to your story for days, it has been the best story i've been told and as i could see i think every one agreed in the hall, and touched alot of peoples hearts including mine which that never really happens alot lol,i would just like to say i think you are a very remarkable man to have standed out in front off those few hundred people and had told your story, and you have changed my opinion 100% about people put into death row now. i will be buying your book when it comes out good luck in future.
best regards.
Liam Jones |
| 20 Nov 2007 20:42 |
| From: Georgia Connell Location: Bucks |
Dear Mr Yarris,
I am a psychology student in High School and i was informed of your case by my psychology teachers, who heard you speak last Friday in London. They informed us of your story and i was deeply moved and fascinated by it. They also mentioned that you were an excellent speaker and gave a fantastic speech.
I have now read on your website that you have or are going to publish a book? I would very much like to purchase and read it but was unsure as to wether is was published.
I would also like to know if you are going to give another talk in London soon as i would very much like to attend.
I hope to study psychology and criminology further at university and i am sure i can gain a lot from reading your book and from listening to your story first hand.
Yours faithfully,
Georgia Connell |
| 18 Nov 2007 14:14 |
| From: Georgina Location: East Ham |
You recently gave a seminar on your life experinve at Friends house on 16th November myself and othe students found that you touched us in many ways with the stopry you told.
I personally thought that it should be told to more students my age as it would really show them what life is like an can be for them if they continue down the road of drug exploitation and violence.
When you told me of how you spent 23years in jail because of somthing that had no concern with made me think that the problems that i go through do not an will not compare. I do deeply feel that your story should be told to millions of youths to let them know what Life is really like. Which is why i am asking you to give a seminar at my college to the students of today as we will be the students adults and Protectors of tomorrow.
It has helped me put alot into perspective and realise that you should not take life for granted but take it as it comes. to respect everyone you comne into contact with.
Love and forgiveness
Love life to fullest
Live Life
|
| 17 Nov 2007 13:53 |
| From: chris gornall Location: uxbridge, london |
i went to the crime conference yesterday at euston sqaure and me and my 2 friends couldnt concntrate for the whole conference. your stroy then came and we didnt say a word throughout it, u shock us with ure great story. what i was wondering is, is whether or not you are considering making your great story into a world wide film? ive showed my frinds ure story via this website and they were all fasicnated and all agreed a movie would be perfect for your amazing life story.
thanks
chris gornall |
| 17 Nov 2007 13:32 |
| From: kate Location: ireland |
hi nick, karen and zara
i first came across your story in a detective magazine and have been interested in your life since ,
i just want to wish you and your family all the best in the future and look forward to your book.
regards
kate |
| 17 Nov 2007 12:06 |
| From: Laura Location: Havering |
When i first heard about going to the crime conference in London on 16th Novenber, i already was looking forward to your talk thinking it would be one of the best things there. I wasn't dissapointed. to have been able to silence and hold the attention of around 200 teenagers is a miracle in itself. I am amazed that after all you've been through, you've got the courage to stand up and talk about it (and to be able to still have a sense of humour is astounding). You always hear about people being about in prision but thats about it. No one really stops to think 'Did they really do it?'. Hearing your talk really hit me emotionally but i am so glad that i had the oportunity to hear it. I wish you all the best in the future with your daughter now that you can live live to the full.
Laura |
| 16 Nov 2007 20:39 |
| From: Naomi Collen Location: Cambridge |
Hello,
Today i heard your story at a conference in london which i attened with my college and just wanted to let you know how much i respect you for standing up on that stage and telling us your life. By the end of your talk me and my friend were completely amazed that we were hearing it for real. When everyone stood to applaud you, we both turned to each other with tears in our eyes. Once out of the talk its all i could talk about, i have told my dad,mum and friend and have shocked all them with your story. I just read that you are having your booked published next year and as soon as it is out i will read it as after today i want to hear and understand what happened more. Also, the film documentry sounds really good and i think more people should be aware of your story.
Thank you for talking today at the conference it was the best part of the day.
Good Luck in the future with the book and your charity work.
From Naomi Collen |
| 16 Nov 2007 19:02 |
| From: Chris Papaioannou Location: Hillingdon |
| Hey Nick,
Was one of the people who got to hear your story today in Euston, London.
Made the whole day worthwhile and enjoyed every minute of it. Wont forget your story for many many years Im sure, if ever.
Cant even begin to imagine how even a small part of it would've felt for you, really has got me thinking about life.
Wish you'd been able to stick around for more questions, they seemed to want to kick us all out fairly quickly.
All the best,
Chris |
| 15 Nov 2007 01:41 |
| From: Paul L:iberatori Location: Somewhere in the swamps of NJ |
Hey Brother,
Hope all is well, I miss you and I love you! God bless you and yours!
.........you folks on that side of the pond don't do thanksgiving but you have much to be thankful for..you can see it in Lara's eyes!!!! She is a little doll!
...Check out my band's myspace link, there are some audio clips I'd like you to listen to and or download if you like. http://www.myspace.com/nakedsocialband
Yours forever
Paul Liberatori
|
| 09 Nov 2007 08:19 |
| From: Charlie Higgs Location: Redditch |
Hi Mr Yarris.
I just wanted to contact you and tell you what a remarkable man i think you are. To have gone through so much and now have your life with your child, all your current work, and to have a sense of humor is amazing.
I know that iv never listened so intently to someone speak before. I think that the way you have been so positive in life is an inspiration.
I am extremely greatful for having been able to listen to your story yesterday in Stourbridge , and i thank you for all i learnt in that time.
Thanks again,
Charlie |
| 08 Nov 2007 20:10 |
| From: Georgina Billingham Location: Stourbridge, West Midlands. |
Hello,
To hear you talk at the crime conferance today was totally overwhelming. I find it amazing how someone, such as yourself, can go through so much, to keep on fighting, to live everyday as if your going to win the battle and in the end you did. You never gave up.
When I was in my last year at school, one of my best friends didn't fit in with his family, they didn't like him, becuase he was homosexual and people bullied him at school. When his boyfriend had broken up with him, it took him to his last tether and resulted to commiting suicide. I wish he had held on, like you did.
You have inspired me to help change capital punishment, it's not all it is cracked up to be, I used to be all for it, when the facts were correct, but they can still be wrong in many cases.
You've also taught me to keep on fighting for what I know is right.
Thank-you.
I look forward to reading your new book and wathcing the programmes.
Take care always.
Georgina B.
Aged 17.
xxxxx
|
| 08 Nov 2007 17:18 |
| From: Cat Location: |
I just wanted to write and say thank you so much for sharing your story with others ( especially a group of 200 odd rowdy teenagers, who all sat in complete silence which is a great achievement in itself!)
I also wanted to say that i deeply admire your courage, and that you can still stay postive and even joke about soem of your experiences.
All the Best. |
| 04 Nov 2007 18:08 |
| From: Maria Location: Frome |
| I'm a Frome College student and I was there when you were telling about your experience at my school. I found your story really inspirational and think it's completely and utterly horrendous that the law wasted so many years of your life. In fact I am now doing an art project based on your story, hope it comes out well! |
| 03 Nov 2007 12:24 |
| From: Daisy Kyle Location: Bedales School |
this is just a message to say thank you so much for the speech yesturday, it really was amazing, everyone in school is talking about it and loved it! your in our weekly school magisine and it says
'nick yarris is the new love of our lives! after rendering the entire SLT speechless with over an hour's worth of heart wrenching, adrenalin pumping, palm swettingly exciting stuff where the good guy along with honesty, determination and love eventually conquers all!'
thanks so much!
p.s. Hello! |
| 29 Oct 2007 10:12 |
| From: Nick Location: parts unknown |
Well the smoke has cleared in SD and the Chargers are rolling!
That was a big one for us Sunday! Bad start and now looking at the division title. Just need Denver to play like Denver and we will be laughing. Funny, I m just not worried about KC.
Im laughing about the Dolphins and Rams! Wish the Raiders were 0-8. HA
Nick
P.S. Hope your book is coming along well!!! Can wait to see you on the NY Best Sellers List...or on Oprah! ha |
| 11 Jul 2007 23:24 |
| From: Hesham Location: Raja |
| I just want to say I was deeply touched by your story, and glad to see that their are people still in this world who don't simply give up, and fight on in the face of injustice. Hearing your speech at Maiden Erlegh stirred something inside of me to enjoy every day to the fullest thanks alot. |
| 11 Jul 2007 21:42 |
| From: Luke Location: Reading |
Thanks for the talk today (at Maiden Erlegh school)
Was really moved by the past experiences that you were made to go through.
Thanks for opening my eyes and helping me to realise how fortunate i am. I will definately take on board the points that you made.
Thanks again.
Luke
Ps. You have a very pretty daughter! |
| 11 Jul 2007 19:52 |
| From: Katie Location: Reading |
I am just writing to say thankyou for coming in to my school (Maiden Erlegh) today and telling us all in year 12 and some year 13 about your story.
In the morning we were asked to leave a door according to weather we thought the death penalty should be bought back to England or not.. and most people including me went through the yes door. I thought this because i thought that it would solve alot of problems and would scare people in to stop comitting serious crimes, but then after hearing your story i deffinatly changed my mind as i have thought further in to it and have realised how people can wrongly be accused and how it can also affect their families. I also thought it was incredibly inhuman the way you were treated in prison.
Thankyou for sharing your dreadful experience with us.
Katie |
| 11 Jul 2007 15:42 |
| From: Ash Stone Location: Reading - Maiden Erlegh school |
Dear Nick,
I really just wanted to say thank you so much for that talk today. I honestly don't think i have ever been so inspired by someone talking about their experiences. It truly was amazing how you fought through this, and it just proves that their is an inner strength in everyone and you are one fine example! Keep all these talks going, people need to hear this, it is truly emmense! I'm not a reader, but i personally think that i will buy your book. I may even invest some money into purchasing/renting the film you mentioned as I want to know more.
Thank you so much once again! Cherise Lara and enjoy the rest of your life.
Kind Regards
Ash Stone
(4th row on you right :-) |
| 20 Apr 2007 18:15 |
| From: Anonymous Location: US-PA |
I am truly happy for you that you were able to prove your innocence. I hope you find happiness in your new life.
I was one of the "kids" back then that found that unfortunate woman that cold December morning. I can only hope that the cold case is reopened and the person responsible is found and held accountable.
Good luck and may you and your new family have God's blessing from this day forth. |
| 21 Mar 2007 17:39 |
| From: Aimę Wood Location: Frome Somerset England |
Nick, I attended your talk today at Frome College and found that hearing- in your own words- your story directly was both harrowing and inspiring. To think I've been alive for far less time than you spent caged up for a crime you didn't commit is almost unfeasible.
I'm not really too sure what else to say.
Nothing I can put into words anyway.
Thank you very much for coming today.
I wish you every bit of luck and happiness for the future.
Of all people, you deserve it.
Aimæ Wood x
|
| 19 Mar 2007 17:13 |
| From: Jo H Location: Bath, UK |
| Dear Nick,
I'm writing to say how inspiring I found the talk you gave at my school Prior Park. It really made me realise just how priviliged I am to have all these oppotunities and what you said has really motivated me to put more effort into studying for my future (im hoping to study art or english at university).
Also, thank you for sharing your utterly harrowing story and taking the time to visit us.
Thanks again and all the best for the future,
Jo
|
| 14 Mar 2007 13:00 |
| From: Rachel Location: Reading |
Dear Nick, just a note to thank you for your thought provoking talk at Reading University a week ago. To say we enjoyed it would not be quite appropriate as the content at times was somewhat harrowing, but to see what you are doing with your life was an inspiration. I wish you all the best with the work you are doing now. Best wishes
Rachel and Angus McCallum |
| 10 Mar 2007 13:08 |
| From: Sophie Fyles Location: Reading |
Dear Nick,
Last night I attended the lecture you held at the University of Reading. I came and shook your hand afterwards but couldn't bring myself to say anything because the whole experience moved me so much. Your words have reversed my opinion on the death penalty not only because of the effects I felt but also on seeing my partner with tears in his eyes; something I have never seen in my time with him.
I cannot nearly compare the problems I have experienced in my life with yours but my opinion has always been to maintain a good sense of humour and my friends are often shocked at how I laugh at my own misfortunes. To see how seemingly relaxed and light-hearted you could be in front of so many people, and telling the harrowing details of your phenomenal story has reassured me that it is the best attitude to have and has given me hope that any life can be turned around, no matter how horrible.
It brings tears to my eyes to think about it now; your face and your presence will stay with me throughout my life and I thank you so much for your bravery, your passion and your willingness to share this with others.
I wish you and your family all the happiness in the world for the future,
Phie |
| 06 Mar 2007 01:24 |
| From: Derry Murray Location: Ireland |
Hello,
Just a quick note to maybe add a Donation Button on your website so people can give towards your cause.
Thank You
Glad you are free. |
| 22 Feb 2007 22:12 |
| From: Mrs. Chrystal King Location: Las Vegas, Nevada |
| I happened to rent the DVD "After Innocence" through Netflix not fully realizing how deep it was going to be. I Thank God that you were exonerated and it's really a shame how the system and some prosecutors are literally getting away with "murder". I wish you all the blessings in your future endeavors, and I am going to write a review at Netflix urging others to plz rent and watch it and get involved. God Bless You....Your baby is beautiful. |
| 22 Feb 2007 17:44 |
| From: Beccy Location: London |
Hello Nick, just a quick message to say that you for the assembly you gave us today in Barking Abbey School Barking Essex. I thought it would be a nice idea to congratulate you on such a great speech I am sure that it is incredibly hard to keep a bunch of 17-18 year olds occupied for an hour and as I'm sure you noticed no one spoke at all ( or figited!!).
It was great that you actually make the time and effort to come round to talk to us and give us an insight into such an ordeal that took up about a quarter of a centuary of your life.
As a sociology student it really helped me understand a topic we are studying at the moment, instead of just reading from a text book or watching a video it's nice to be able to actually believe something and be able to ask questions you personally wanted answered.
Thank you once again for a magnificent speech,
Beccy |
| 22 Feb 2007 16:14 |
| From: Sherry Mirza Location: Barking Abbey School, Barking, Essex |
I would like to thank you very much for that moving an inpsrational spech at our school Nick. it was great of oyu to share your devastating experience with us, am i am sure that this was a truely priceless oppertunity for us students as cases such as your are very rare like you have stated. you have taught us a lot about the prison system within the States, espeiccially the cruelty suffered by death row inmates. we here at barking abbey are very greatfuly for your visit, and wish you all the best of luck and to let you know that we 'have your back' will fully support your every move
Once again thank you and good luck with everything
Sherry Mirza, Barking Abbey School |
| 22 Feb 2007 14:56 |
| From: Jenni Location: London |
Hi Nick
You have just visited my school and have just listened to your speech, which was to me one of the most inspiring and heart warming i have ever heard I would just like to say that i was deeply touched by your talk and the things that you went through over your life really touched me. I cannot even begin to think the things that you must have been through. I felt honoured to be in the audience today. I would really like to keep sending messages on the website and would be grateful if you could reply as i would love to know more about the journey you went through. I think the things that you are doing with your life now should be counted for. You are a credit to society and i wish you all the happiness in the world.
x |
| 22 Feb 2007 04:25 |
| From: Olufisayo Balogun Location: London |
Hello,
Iv read through your journals and stories. It really is breathtaking. I can't imagine the pain and frustration of being jailed and placed on deathrow for a crimeyou did not commit. Howver you are free once again which simply points to the hand of God working in your life. And of course having a purpose for you that no one could take away.
I thank God for your life. And i wish you well. I will be attending your lecture sometime in march. (I'm a student of Kings college london, stufying law). I would really like to know how you over came the struggles. I wouldn't want to open any sore wounds so i won't ask any probbing questions. if you could please reply to this email. Would be very much appreciated. God bless you indeed. People like you inspire me. Life may be tough at times but it will all turn out fine in due time. Just as yours did.
Yours sincerely,
Fisayo. |
| 23 Jan 2007 13:53 |
| From: phil jordan Location: warrington, england |
Just a quick note to say how amazing the programme was. Notwithstanding your and your fellow exonerees plights I could not contain my tears seeing Wilton's parents experience. How the last 20 years of their lives, that should have been spent enjoying watching their boy grow into a man were spent suspended in a purgatorial mire of helplessness really affected me.
I am the poud father of 2 young daughters, work long hours and just about keep my head above financial water. I sometimes get stressed and a little down in what I consider to be my own daily struggle. Watching the programme put things in perspective to say the least. That's not to say my life isn't stressful, it just reminded me that amongst life's stresses and strains there is always time to stop and look how lucky most of us are, how having family, friends, beautiful children and a roof over our heads, a garden to drink wine in on a summers day.
God bless you and all the poor souls still languishing, I have no money to give (two daughters who know how to wrap daddy round their tiny fingers) but I support you in spirit and will help if you can think of any use for me.
Enough waffle, take care,
Phil Jordan |
| 22 Jan 2007 19:06 |
| From: Jonathan Taylor Location: Portadown, Northern Ireland |
| Nick,
You probabely hear this alot. I heard your Story on the BBC Radio 4, as I travelled to my business one day. The journey of emotions I went through that day from anger, sorrow to feeling of redemption when you were equitted was phenomenal. How you answered every question with dignity and humility and explained how you cried for your mum and dads ill treatment and your brother's death without seeing you free still sends shivers through me. Nick I salute your courage. May God bless you and keep you, and cause his sun to shine upon you.
Jonathan Taylor
|
| 29 Nov 2006 17:57 |
| From: Carolyn Amos Location: Manchester |
Dear Mr Yarris,
As a BVC student at Manchester Metropolitan University I had the opportunity to attend your lecture today. Firstly I would like to thank you for such a moving and informative speech. As a student who wishes to persue a career at the Criminal Bar I was both interested and inspired by your story. My University recently had the opportunity to visit Strangeways prison in Manchester which has opened my eyes to the prison system and the potential to improve procedures and justice. Whilst I understand that your experience and the work that you do is very different to the limited insight I have had into the prison service, I nevertheless feel that this is an area in which I would like to provide assistance. I have viewed the REPRIEVE website to gain a greater understanding of the situations that you encounter and this has further enhanced my wish to contribute. I was particularly interested in your comments on a procedure in which 71% of prisoners do not reoffend; I understand that re-offending is a problem within the British legal system, I would therefore be very interested in promoting such a sucessful method of rehabilitation.
I am very passionate about achieving justice and providing help to people who need it most and I understand that you are a busy man so I shall not tell you at length about my beliefs and ambitions, but I would be very grateful for some guidence in persuing a career in these areas.
Thank you so much for your time.
Carolyn Amos |
| 29 Nov 2006 16:55 |
| From: Robyn Ashworth Location: Manchester |
Hi Nick,
Thank you so much for coming to talk at my Uni (Manchester Metropolitan University) today. You are a fantastic public speaker and you gave a powerful and enlightening talk.
I'm training to be a legal aid lawyer and I hope to make a difference to peoples' lives by making sure they have the rights that you were denied. Thank you for inspiring and making me realise how important helping people is and being pro-active. I am sorry for what happened to you and want you to know that any help I do give to people will be with you in mind.
Once again thank you and good luck with everything.
Robyn Ashworth |
| 29 Nov 2006 16:15 |
| From: Daniel A. Rahnavard LL.B (Hons) Law, Bar Student Location: Manchester, England |
Dear Nick
I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for a truely awe inspiring talk I was honoured to be in the audience for at Manchester today.
Your courage and conviction in the face of adversity is tantamount to unbelievable. I cannot imagine or even begin to try an imagine what you went through.
Please do keep up all your hardwork and may I wish you all the very best in your new found freedom. I was moved by your story and to be honest i'm struggling to think of the words to express how much but the one thing I can say is that I will never forget your story and only hope to emulate the hope and bravery you have shown when I face testing tmes of my own.
Thank you again
Kindest Regards
Daniel Rahnavard LL.B (Hons) Law, Bar Student |
| 29 Nov 2006 16:12 |
| From: Daniel A. Rahnavard LL.B (Hons) Law, Bar Student Location: Manchester, England |
Dear Nick
I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for a truely awe inspiring talk I was honoured to be in the audience for at Manchester today.
Your courage and conviction in the face of adversity is tantamount to unbelievable. I cannot imagine or even begin to try an imagine what you went through.
Please do keep up all your hardwork and may I wish you all the very best in your new found freedom. I was moved by your story and to be honest i'm struggling to think of the words to express how much but the one thing I can say is that I will never forget your story and only hope to emulate the hope and bravery you have shown when I face testing tmes of my own.
Thank you again
Kindest Regards
Daniel Rahnavard LL.B (Hons) Law, Bar Student |
| 29 Nov 2006 15:53 |
| From: Katie Location: Manchester Metropolitan University |
Nick,
I have just exited the lecture you have given at MMU. First of all thank you for your time, somone once told me 'time' is the most precious gift you can give, your talk & experiences just confirmed that for me. Secondly, as a serving police officer and, having reflected on your comments regards the criminal justice system, both here & in the US, I realised I have learnt more in the last hour about how police officers are percieved than my 5 years of service combined. Your words have been invaluable, I have great respect for you & wish you & your family all the very best.
Many thanks again & Happy Christmas!
Katie.
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| 27 Nov 2006 02:36 |
| From: Michael Location: Florida |
Dear Sir, I Just watched the showtime special....Ive been motivated by your story to try and make a difference im my community and in florida, May god bless you and your family.
Thank you for sharing
Michael McKellen |
| 20 Nov 2006 20:23 |
| From: Law Student Location: London |
Thank you very much for talking to us this evening. It was such an interesting and inspiring talk. Good Luck with all your work with Reprieve and for the future! |
| 20 Nov 2006 16:39 |
| From: Dave Hardy Location: Scottish Highlands |
| Hi Nick, What a privelege to be able to leave you a message like this. The interview on ch 4 was so meaningful and I can only say that your compassion and understanding was that on the level of Nelson Mandella. Somehow I feel that you touched on enlightenment. Have you written a book, your story is a must for others to hear. With sincere thanks, Dave Hardy |
| 20 Nov 2006 13:17 |
| From: C. Robinson Location: Philadelphia, PA |
| I am a retired law enforcement officer. I saw a show recently where you talked about your ordeal with the criminal justice system. I am very happy that you are here to tell your story and inspire others to seek the truth for themselves and those they love. Our system of justice is very far from perfect, it may take you and many others to place it on the right track. Best Wishes. C. Robinson |
| 16 Nov 2006 00:50 |
| From: Amber Lawson Location: Ontario, Canada |
| Dear Mr Yarris
Today I watched the documentary which featured your exonoration. I cant put into words how shocked and disgusted I am after watching and learning all that you and other men had to go through. I am truly baffeled, I watched the entire program in tears! You are a piller of stranght...to have spent that much time not only in JAIL but in solitary, I cant begin to pretent to imagine how that must have felt day after day. Truly you are an inspiration and im so thankful for your exonoration...your new baby is beautiful and she will one day be so incredibly proud of her amazing Father...I know I would be.
Sincerely Amber Lawson
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| 15 Nov 2006 21:07 |
| From: frank jones Location: kannapolis north carolina |
| hey there nick i'm so glad everything is falling in the right places for you and your faimly. i jusy watch the documentry with you. it was very insperational to me. i used to think that some people deserved to be on death row and murdered by another man, but after watching your story that has changed all the way around for me. the only way a man should die is to be takin by god and not another man no matter what the circumstances. i sincerly appoligize for the ignorance that i once had. but with all thanks to you that has changed me. i am also interested in trying to get into a group so that i may be able to help others like your self. if you can give me any information on what i can do i will use every bit that i have to, to try and make a difference in someome elses life. ty and i sincerly appoligize for the ignorance i once had. frank jones |
| 13 Nov 2006 20:35 |
| From: Nancy Jollymore Location: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| I just now finished watching the documentry called "After Innocence". WOW!!! Truely powerfull! The more I watched , the more I cried. Nick, 22 years of your life for something you didn't do, with no compensation is ( of course) wrong. But I was very proud watching you stand in that park and tell it like it is. Good for you! The other men in the documentry touched me just as much. The police office who has not yet been re-instated to his force as well as no compensation. The young man who was accused with rape , mistaken identity , but the woman who accused him is now working with him to show that just because you think you can identitify someone does not mean your right. DNA is none mistakeable. At the end of the show, they had updates on all the men , that's how I got your website. The last gentleman said ' DNA is Gods signature, which cannot be forged and his checks don't bounce!' Please take care of yourself and your new family. If you are in contact with the other men, please give them my best wishes . All of you, keep safe and continue spreading the word. Take care! |
| 12 Nov 2006 16:53 |
| From: Sheila Berry Location: Richmond, VA |
It took 10 years of pressure to get Virginia authorities to charge Rebecca Williams' real killer -- even though they knew not only that the DNA was not Earl Washington's, but that it was Kenneth Tinsley's DNA. Instead, the state resisted efforts to charge Tinsley, and maintained, even after Washington was pardoned, that it didn't mean Washington was innocent. They would have the public believe, apparently, that Earl Washington raped Rebecca Williams with another man's sperm.
I am frankly pleased that you are living in England, with the wide Atlantic between you and Pennsylvania. It is not that miscarriages of justice do not occur in the UK -- they do, and we post profiles of UK cases at truthinjustice.org, just as we do cases in the US. But it is better, when possible, to not live under the thumbs of the people who perpetrated the injustice in the first place.
We have added links to your blog from half a dozen pages at truthinjustice.org, because you give hope to so many. |
| 10 Nov 2006 19:19 |
| From: Katie Location: Brighton |
Hey Nick,
I know this is some time after your talk you gave at Sussex Uni, but I just wanted to say thankyou so much for sharing your story with us all. I wrote the article for the uni newspaper , 'The Badger'. You have made me view not only the death penalty, but many other things in a completely different light. You were for that hour and have continued to be an utter inspiration to me with regards to your amazingly positive outlook on life, your strength and sheer determination. I feel so happy now that you have set up home in England with your wife and baby. Keep up the campaigning as you have the power to change things. |
| 07 Nov 2006 11:20 |
| From: Cyndi Location: Honolulu, HI USA |
Tonight I watched a documentary entitled "After Innocence", in which the story of your wrongful conviction was a featured subject.
As long as I can remember, I have supported the death penalty. My reasoning has always been that yes, some innocent men and women might die, but not many. And, after all, the loss of those innocent lives was a small price to pay if it would allow us to remove those who were guilty of the crimes for which they were executed.
Wow. I feel small minded, cruel and ignorant just for writing that. I never knew those people who were convicted or executed for a crime they didn't commit. I had never heard their story and I had never witnessed their pain. I am embarrassed by my own lack of humanity. How could I have refused to let their stories touch my heart?
I realized tonight that I was looking at the situation in a very backward manner! Instead of thinking that the death of one innocent person is a price society should be willing to pay in order to execute a thousand monsters, I think maybe I should have thought the following:
The survival of one innocent man (or woman) is worth allowing a thousand monsters to live.
As of yet, I do not know how to reconcile this new way of approaching the subject with my long-held belief in the death penalty. But I will tell you this, I am seriously reconsidering something that has been a fundamental part of my belief system for many years.
Thank you for sharing your story and opening my eyes, (and my heart.) I wish you and your family all the best. I hope that you will find the peace and acceptance you deserve in your new homeland. I send you all my warmest wishes and love. |
| 30 Oct 2006 18:40 |
| From: Christina Location: Lenton |
Nick,
I am a 16 year old student at Alton college and today i listened to your story and I would like to comend you on how brave you are. You really influenced me and i was totally wrapped up listening to what you had to say. I admire the fact that you had the determination to not give up fighting for your freedom. It really made me think twice about the death penalty. It just shows what can be achieved if your mind is set on it. The way you spoke about education and learning made me realise that i really do have to take full advantage of what i have and make to most of my life because you never know what may happen next.
Thank you for having this impact on me. Your story really moved me and made me see several things in a different light. All the best for the future.
Christina |
| 26 Oct 2006 23:57 |
| From: Max Cornejo Location: WASHINGTON DC |
| Dear Nick,
I would like to first apologize on behalf of all Americans for your horrible plight, I applaud your endeavor to persevere, furthermore congratulate and recognize your exoneration and success. |
| 21 Oct 2006 00:33 |
| From: Gwilym Lee Location: London |
Nick,
I apologise that this message has reached you so long after you came to see us at the Guildhall school of drama. It has been a pretty hectic few weeks getting ready for the show - but now its over. I hope you found our piece interesting - i just hope that we did the subject matter some kind of justice and made people really consider the issues.
I wanted to say thank-you to you for coming to see us. It was an incredible experience. You have made me view everything in a new way with your amazing sense of perspective.
It was so inspiring to hear you talking so passionately about how you believe we people involved in the arts can make a difference. That really has made me view what I do in a fresh light - our acting is not just for fun and enjoyment - it has to change people and make a difference. Something that you certainly did to me and the 25 others in the room.
I will never forget meeting you. It seems you have allowed what has happened to you to empower you and that is truly inspirational. Its so easy to feel insignificant and powerless in this crazy world - but you have shown us all that that doesn't have to be the way. I know that we all can make a difference.
Thank you for your passion, for your honesty and your belief. Please come back to Guildhall soon to make sure that we haven't let you down!!
Best wishes
Gwilym Lee |
| 18 Oct 2006 22:51 |
| From: john banks Location: andover |
I just wanted to express my thanks for your visit to John Hanson school today (I am one of the teachers). Watching the pupils sit in rapt attention for 1 1/2 hours was remarkable. At lunch time there were still pupils asking if you were around to speak to and they were all clearly touched by your words. The fact that you have achieved what you have after the years of incarceration was visible proof that an individual can make a difference, something that many young people find very hard to believe. Your story and your answers to the questions will, I am sure, stay with the pupils (and teachers) throughout their lives. I am sorry to admit that from my schooldays I do not remember all the speakers that came to my school, I am absolutely sure that today's pupils will not forget you. I wish you all the best for your future and thank you again for inspiring minds both young and not so young. |
| 18 Oct 2006 16:46 |
| From: Amanda Location: Marlborough College |
Hi Nick,
I just wanted to thank you for coming to Marlborough to speak to us last week. I found your speech so incredibly moving, i think because it was so real. I feel very privileged to have so many similar events on offer at school, and i try to make the most of all of them, but yours was the best one i have ever heard in my 4 years here. When i asked a friend what she thought of your speech, she put my feelings into words:
"I thought it was awesome, so incredible. I would have loved to have spoken to him at the end, if only just to express thanks and respect, but i just felt so...almost inadequate and sheltered compared to someone who has been through so much, and i have only lead a very limited, comfortable life."
You mentioned that your aim was tied in with a sort of "cultural awakening", and to emphasise to us all that education is the most important thing that will get you through life. I'd also like to say that you achieved that aim in my case, and I know with many other students aswell. I'm now wondering: what made you choose to educate yourself when other people who have been imprisoned have not gone down that route? You obviously have dedication.
Thank you again, for one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Amanda Green
PS. "I promise you, wherever you are on this planet, if you shout my name loud enough i will come for you". - A really powerful line, one that i will remember for a very long time. |
| 17 Oct 2006 22:29 |
| From: Emily Hayter Location: Oxford University |
Dear Nick,
On behalf of Oxford University Amnesty International Group, I'd just like to thank you again for your riveting and inspirational talk this evening. It was absolutely wonderful to have you and we wish you the very best in your fight against the death penalty. Please let us know if we can help by writing letters or publicising cases.
Take care,
Emily Hayter and OUAI |
| 17 Oct 2006 19:24 |
| From: Abbie Walker Location: Staffordshire |
Dear Nick.
I am currently a student at Staffordshire University studing Crime, Deviance and Society and attended the specking that you gave at the university yesterday (16th Oct). I would just like to say thank you for sharing your experience with us all and i think that you are a true inspiration to others. I know that I certainly left the lecture feeling humbled and will think twice when i moan about my life. I will never take things for granted after hearing about the experience that you enjured.
Do you have any further information regarding the release date for your book as i would love to purchase it.?
Once again, many thanks and good luck and best wishes for the future.
Abigail Walker |
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