WHAT a marvellous letter from Janet Veal last week. I had Mr Bishay for one of my eight operations between 1993-2003 and as you said he is marvellous, and so are all the other surgeons.

I started off in 1993, three months in a wheelchair, and finished ops (hopefully) in 2003 mobile and free of pain. How lucky can I get! I still play bowls for Trowbridge Town.

I am out to give something back to the RUH for their kindness to me so I have arranged a concert in the United Church, Trowbridge, for May 19, 7-9pm. (I am sorry it is only a week after Trowbridge Philharmonic's concert in Holy Trinity Church, this is unavoidable.) I have obtained the Morriston Orpheus Choir from Swansea, arguable the best choir in the UK, 120 strong, together with a barber's shop quartet from West Sussex who sang in the Colston Hall, Bristol, a month ago. A lovely soprano from the Royal Welsh College of Music completes the programme. Unbelievably the choir are returning from their second world tour on May 6, calling at Dubai, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand - 15 concerts in all including two in the Sydney Opera House.

Tickets for our concert will be on sale at the usual outlets, the Tourist Information Centre, Trowbridge, and Howards Travel, from March 1, price £10.

I am seeking sponsorship from local businesses but I see that Virgin Mobile, who were top of my list, have already donated £150,000 to the £800,000 RUH new scanner appeal so I can hardly ask for more. I am thinking of asking Marks and Spencers to refund money to those who don't enjoy it, but am sure it won't cost them very much!

Mary Berry, of Wesley Road Church, who helped me in 1987 after two St James' disasters, is doing so again together with a committee. We have a target of £10,000 towards the scanner. I will tell you how we will raise this - watch this space!

R GAY, Trowbridge