Shirlee Matthews, RN, SCM, retired, of Town's Lane, Loddiswell, writes:

I would ask the Rear View Mirror writer to reconsider their criticism of the proposed complementary cancer centre to be set up in Totnes.

You may not agree with a struck off doctor being allowed to speak at Totnes Civic Hall, extolling the virtues of bicarbonate of soda. I may not myself, but this doesn't mean I don't have the right to decide to listen to him if I wish to.

May I remind you of Dr Lister, among many others, who was pilloried for advising to wash one's hands in disinfectant before touching wounds. Then there is the history of midwives and plain, wise country women being burnt at the stake for merely using willow (aspirin) and indeed foxglove (digitalis). These are now accepted drugs.

In Kingsbridge we have the finest example of a cancer care drop-in centre, with complementary treatments available to help relax alleviate symptoms and support conventional treatment. It is a pleasure to visit there and with the blessings of the kind people of Kingsbridge and the excellent staff and practitioners, long may it flourish.

The average time our GPs may give us is l0-l5 minutes, and one feels selfish taking more of their precious time, when waiting rooms are full.

However, a massage, Shiatsu, or just someone to talk to for an hour is surely a bonus for those with cancer, who are carrying the heavy burden of perhaps pain and fear of the uncertain future.

I think MP Sarah Wollaston was wrong in speaking as she did, and therefore causing the cancellation of the booking. This was a decision too far, taken on our behalf. It is the absolute right for Dr Wollaston not to attend for herself and her family and to disapprove heartily but it is is my right to approve, if I do, and attend if I wish to.