The landmark High Court ruling for terminally ill patient Leslie Burke, aged 44 years, is a tremendous victory.

The High Court Judge steered a remarkable u-turn in medical practice, by giving back power to the patient.

This ruling will engender renewed trust and peace of mind.

Throughout my life of caring and nursing physically impaired children and the elderly, I have personally witnessed the withdrawal of food and liquid on five specific occasions. One feels utterly helpless, since only a relative can intervene. It is devastating to witness and remains a burden of guilt.

As one mother so movingly said of her son: "David is not a handicapped child. He is a child with handicaps."

The headline of the article in the Sunday Telegraph read: "Do not resuscitate and don't bother consulting the family."

Let us hope that Leslie Burke's fight for the right to die naturally will become statutory to protect us all, especially the most helpless and vulnerable who are unable to speak for themselves.

A national newspaper announced recently that the number of people living to 80 and beyond will have doubled to five million within the next 30 years.

Grave issues, such as heart transplants and body parts have already been exposed to the uncomfortable truth. Mr Justice Mumby has made a truly remarkable and deeply caring ruling, in giving back the power to the patient and stressing that the medical quality of life does not consider the social dimension.

In his wisdom and understanding he has given a new ray of hope and peace of mind to us all.

MARY RATCLIFFE

Old Town