May I through your letter column speak freely of an issue that gives me great cause for concern?

I have been a client of Good Morning North West, a care service for the elderly and vulnerable, now for over three years and in that time I have got to know all the staff very well. They are my lifeline to the outside world and a shoulder when I need it.

My husband in his 70s now suffers from heart problems and severe arthritis and I'm not in great health myself. Before we became clients of GMNW we had no-one to give us any advice or support, because we can't travel or get out much. It's also very hard to trust anyone these days. The girls at GMNW visit us regularly for a chat, to make sure we are well and to make sure we are in receipt of all our entitlements.

We have heard today that the service may now close in August due to lack of funding, so it's a very sad day for us both, and I suppose the hundreds of other clients too. I honestly don't know what I will do without their daily phone call and their advice and support.

Could I please appeal to Margaret Ritchie, who is responsible for funding, to reconsider her decision not to fund Good Morning North West, because it is a vital service for us and all those who feel isolated and vulnerable. Could I also call upon all those who hold any type of influence NOT to let our service disappear.

I know I am only a small voice, but this service has really changed my life in so many positive ways.

Yours ,

Worried Good Morning North West Client.