IN response to the article in which I featured, "Stressed To Kill" (March 9), I would like to thank all those wonderful staff at the York rehabilitation centre within the hospital.

They managed all aspects of not just the heart condition but also the mental state and how one copes in the aftermath of either surgery or heart attacks.

I received excellent after-care service from the local mental health team and continued treatment within the rehab group at the hospital. Thanks to Nicola Cockerel and all her team.

The attitude and compassion shown by my old employer Polar Ford at Monks Cross was excellent. My managers and colleagues were amazing. They totally understood and gave me the space to recover without any added pressures. Thanks.

My existing employer, Red Submarine (gear4music), has given me great flexibility in allowing me to continue with the rehab group. Thanks to Andy Wass and Craig Monk for their understanding.

Generally, employers now take a much more professional and sympathetic approach to stress and stress related illnesses which cause heart problems. This gives the employee more flexibility to get on the healthier road to recovery and continue with any related rehabilitation. In return this will get them back to work in a much healthier state.

Too many people worry about the time they have off and will try to return too quickly.

Mark McBrearty,

St Martins Close, Fangfoss.

Updated: 11:25 Monday, March 14, 2005