22 FEBRUARY 1975, Page 4

Sir: Beverley Nichols's account of his terrible suffering from cancer

was both moving and very frightening. And speaking as one who knew him both as reporter and colleague in his healthy, gardening days, I felt his suffering even more keenly.

Nevertheless, it should be said in order to try and comfort more nervous patients, that every case is different. I was forced to watch both mother and husband die in this way but neither died willingly in spite of much pain. My husband refused this relief when offered, saying "There is always time to die." And speaking as a failed suicide myself. I lived to regret my foolish attempt.

Olga Franklin Church Hill, Caterham