Madam, I would like to make a big thank you to the following people through the letters' page of the Ross Gazette; my wife Angie, the doctors of Alton Street Surgery, Hereford Hospital, the consultant and surgeon, the Charles Renton Chemotherapy Unit and all blood donors, as without their help I would not be here now.

After feeling unwell for a while in the summer I became very ill in October so my wife called in the doctor. As you know blokes just plod on and think they will get better by themselves. The outcome was a rush into hospital with internal bleeding due to a tumour they found. I was given eight pints of blood, for which I can't thank the donors enough. I was told I had days left to live. After major surgery to remove the lump and chemotherapy to wipe out any cells left I am feeling 100% better. I am walking and riding my bike to get back to full strength again. I will also be back to teaching archery in March and hope for a better new year.

Once again thanks to everyone involved in my recovery and the people of Ross who sent best wishes, a big big thank you. You are lifesavers and friends.

Mike Barnard, Ross