Dear Martin

There is probably no adequate way to thank you for what you have done for Jill, but I’ll have a go. Today she woke with her old cheeky grin on her face not seen for years, rose tentatively to go to the loo, went there with no stagger, limp or sudden grasp for the door frame, returned and remarked with a smile, “no pain”.

While you have made us aware of the likelihood of a flare, at the moment we are filled with hope that if it comes and when it subsides there is the possibility of life returning to liveable.

It seems to me that you must have spent the 3 solid hours on Wednesday exercising a unimaginable (to Me) degree of concentration, care, diligence and skill. The sort of thing required of a pilot for short periods but, I would have thought, totally knackering for the hours you spend making my favourite wife better. Seemingly far more than you usually have to do for your patients. And I also thank you for leaving her with images of you scampering through French countryside trying to induce the return of an escaped parrot. Something may be skewed in the reporting of this event, but I’d suggest leaving it as it is in her mind. It sits well there.

I thank you also for being so kind and generous with your time in assessing Jill and informing us both. I may have to bin all my preconceptions about Saunderites.

It seems mad to me that the NHS does not do what you do. I have had some success in the past with MPs – would it help if I was to try to persuade mine (he’s one of the few good ones) to try to influence the DoH? I see they have a PUS for Public Health and Innovation – she probably goes home early and would welcome something to do to make her famous. Let me know if I can help – we might even get a petition going – you must have a wide body of satisfied customers for a start.

Again, our total appreciation of your time and expertise, and that of your kind and gifted anaesthetist – may you live happily and forever.

With our Best Wishes

Robin