I think I understand what Alison Ryan, (chief executive of Weldmar Hospice-care Trust), is getting at in trying to make the distinction between the home nursing care provided by Weldmar nurses and that provided by Macmillan nurses. But for people with cancer, who need the expert care of nurses in their own homes, is this a point of difference they actively debate? It is like worrying about whether the helicopter, lifeboat or ambulance gets to rescue you first; you are grateful for help from experts in the field wherever they come from, not whether they have a green logo or a blue logo on their badge.

The point about people valiantly fundraising for Macmillan because they believe they have received support from Macmillan nurses, when in fact they were Weldmar nurses, I object to particularly. Surely all these caring organisations are motivated by the same thing – helping people in medical need and supporting their families and friends in helping the person who is ill. So what if a collection goes to Macmillan?

Is that not a deserving cause too? One could argue that Weldmar Hospicecare has a much higher profile in the public consciousness by having a hospice in the county town, and numerous charity shops with the opportunity to raise funds every day, whereas I cannot ever recall seeing an equivalent for Macmillan. In any week, in the Echo, you will see many requests – deservedly so – in the obituary columns, for donations to be made to Weldmar Hospicecare, because people who have lost a loved one are grateful for the care provided for them and want to help the hospice in return.

My point is that Weldmar Hospicecare has a place in the hearts and minds of thousands of people because it is there, on the doorstep, providing continuous care when it is needed the most. You really don’t need to feel threatened by the competition.

I would also like to suggest that Weldmar Hospicecare does not have the franchise on caring, and it was a great pity that the tone of Ms Ryan’s comments seemed to lack respect for Macmillan’s equally vital work within the community for those who need it the most.

P BOYCE (Address supplied)