WE are absolutely devastated by the sad news about Dr Ashley. Our parents have been with his practice since he started at Monkgate years ago.

He is a very caring doctor, a credit to his profession; what a great loss to all his patients at the Monkgate surgery. We as a family living in Peterborough have always felt secure in the knowledge that our parents were being looked after so well by Dr Ashley and cannot find the words to express how we feel. Where will our parents find anyone who will 'fill his shoes'? What is happening to our National Health Service?

We wish Dr Ashley our very best for his new practice and thank him for all the care and attention he gave to our parents over the many years they were with his practice.

Christine and Mervyn Gray,

Paston Ridings, Peterborough.

Updated: 10:35 Thursday, July 05, 2001