I was astonished to read criticisms of the Hepworth Hope Fund and, by implication Gail Hepworth, allegedly made by Mrs McAllan (January 6).

Gail has never criticised York District Hospital where her treatment has always been impeccable - the treatment which we her friends have helped to pay for has been complimentary to, not instead of, that provided by the NHS. My initial reaction to the article was anger, followed by sadness that these two tragedies should have reached this level.

I can only hope it stems from thoughtlessness, rather than anything else because Gail has been quite upset by it.

Let me emphasise that the Hepworth Hope Fund was started by Gail's many friends who wished to express, in a tangible way, the depth and warmth of their affection for her and to do what they could to make whatever time she has left as happy and free from care and pain as is possible.

Surely it is right for us to wish to do this. After all, it is our time and our money.

If the fund had not come into being the money would not have been raised. The fact is that no other charity has been deprived because of it. The truth is, because of the high profile of Gail's tragedy it can only benefit other charities by raising public awareness of the human cost involved when cancer strikes. It makes me sad that it has been necessary for me to write this letter.

Ruth Baldwin,

Huntington Road,

Huntington,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.