SIR: I refer to the article (BEN, October 22) on Stanley, the wheelbarrow man. It was a great shame that Stanley should have been found in such circumstances.

Stanley was very well known to a great many people, especially in the Tonge Moor area. I met Stanley on many occasions and gave him financial help and help with other matters. On many occasions I invited him to come and have meals, new clothing and accommodation at an establishment within the town. But Stanley was a very proud man and would not, if he could help it, accept charity. The work he did with that little barrow of his by collecting scrap and selling it was his way of living and he did not want it changing or people forcing their will on him.

Someone said that Stanley was forgotten and neglected. Let me assure them he was not. The fact that he would not accept our help was something that upset many of us but we cannot force our will and help on people who are independent and that was Stanley. He will be remembered in our prayers as one of the many that we have failed to bring into our circle.

P Perry

Cartmel Crescent, Tonge Moor

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