TWO years ago you published my letter praising the treatment I received at York District Hospital, treatment that included major abdominal surgery.

I can now relate a second episode in the same hospital, though this time under a different specialist.

At the end of last year, after a skilful diagnosis for which I have to thank my GP, I was admitted to hospital for extensive facial surgery.

After an eight-hour, extremely delicate operation performed by Mr Taylor and his team, I spent two days in intensive care and then three weeks on Ward 15.

I now attend Cookridge Hospital in Leeds for radiotherapy to complete the treatment.

My purpose in writing this letter is twofold; firstly to reassure anyone faced with similar problems not to be fearful; and secondly, to say thank you.

The treatment I have received from everyone concerned with my case has been professional, encouraging, supportive and beyond reproach.

Surgeons, doctors, radiologists and nurses have helped me meet this challenging trauma and have now stood me upright once more to face the world anew and thus able to write this letter of gratitude.

John Rooke,

Langwith Lane, Heslington.

Updated: 10:14 Wednesday, February 04, 2004