TRYING to reply briefly to the letters written by Alba Thorning is not always easy, but the recent one about the death of Tony Nicklinson needs no elaborate response. If God’s compassion and mercy is endless, why did He allow Mr Nicklinson to suffer a long and painful ‘locked-in’ life for so long?

As Mrs T. points out, Mr Nicklinson was an atheist, wishing for death. If God is so compassionate, why did He not show Himself to Mr Nicklinson and perhaps change his beliefs by ending his life earlier, instead of allowing him to endure the indignity of having to plead for death in the courts, and starve himself when his wish was not granted?

LINDA MAGUIRE

Atwell Close

Wallingford