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"Be Kinder" Plea After Cowes Christmas Carnival Receives Vile Abuse

Cowes Christmas Carnival has vowed not to let "vile" hate win after organisers were subjected to the "worst abuse they've encountered in 19 years".

On last night's (Wednesday's) street tour those on the float said they were sworn at and called the C word in front of young children.

"What makes it worse is my husband who builds the float & drives it was diagnosed with terminal cancer in February and given 12 to 18 months to live, organisers said.

"The cancer has now spread from his bladder to his liver and 2 weeks ago we were told it had spread to the lungs. All he had on his bucket list was to build his last xmas float & drive it so he could see the children's faces one last time."

The event, which traditionally takes place every year, sees a festive float travel through Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood.

Committee members also go round and collect children's letters to Santa Claus, ensuring they all receive a reply.

Organisers took to social media to lament the abuse and said last night's would be their last street tour.

However, by the morning, and after an influx of support, they had changed their minds.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson for Cowes Carnival Committee said:

"We were determined to let him have his last wish and I have decided this vile person is not going to win. My husband will get his wish. Last night this vile person was even less complimentary about children giving their letters out and every other word was the C word.

"Thank you for your kind words. Get your children to get their letters ready xx."
 

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