FIFTEEN months ago, after a serious illness, and four months in hospital, my 89-year-old mother was very fortunate to secure a place in Nazareth House, Blackburn, with full backing from the medical profession.

I had a real fight on my hands to get funding. Would she get it if applying now? I think not.

My mother would have given up. She would have been dead by now. In spite of her prognosis, she has regained a decent quality of life and we are under no illusions that this is due solely to the loving care and attention she receives at Nazareth House.

I am well aware that Blackburn with Darwen Council would have been saving money on her fees, if she had died. Also, her pension would have been saved.

Is this how we have to weigh up the value of our old people?

My parents, like many others, worked hard all their lives, came through a world war and brought up a loving family. Have they to end up in fear?

If an old person dies in their own home it is put down to 'old age.' If it was a child it would be called 'neglect.'

Nazareth House is a charity. It does not look for profit, only a fair price for services provided. The loving care and attention my mother receives is second to none.

We do not want my mother, now nearly 91, to live out her days in fear over funding. Come on, Blackburn with Darwen Council, play fair. Nazareth House should be paid a fair price to remain in business to do what it has successfully done for the last 100 years.

CAROLE WARDLE (Mrs), Woodcrest, Wilpshire, Blackburn.