19 FEBRUARY 2005, Page 20

Avoid spills

From Nicola FitzGerald

Sir: Might I suggest that instead of upsetting his kind friends, Jonathan Dimbleby (Diary, 12 February) could take to bed with him a bottle of water, a glass and a torch (to avoid spills)? Actually, a salty diet probably helps, as I presume necessary trips to the bathroom involving crutches are thereby limited due to dehydration.

Nicola FitzGerald Buttermere, Wiltshire