I WOULD like to thank everyone who joined our day of protest on Friday, and the hundreds of people all over York and beyond who signed our petition to ask The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to reconsider their decision to deny Alzheimer's drugs to those in the early stages of the illness.

The superb advance coverage of the issue by the Press ensured a good attendance on a wild November day. The march contained a huge cross-section of people - those with dementia, present and former carers, professionals, volunteers and staff and members of the society.

Ages ranged from a five-year-old with a placard in memory of his great grandfather, right up to those in their 80s who had never in their wildest dreams expected to attend a demonstration.

Our warm thanks go to John Grogan and Hugh Bayley for meeting the protesters. I am delighted to report that Mr Bayley will present the petition on the floor of the House of Commons shortly - in the meantime, please phone our office on 01904 799335 if you would like to add to the current 500-plus signatures.

Finally, I would like to emphasise that campaigning is only one part of our work. Our primary aim is to support all those locally affected by Alzheimer's and all types of dementia, and we hope our heightened profile will enable us to extend help to those who need it. Locally and nationally, the society's vision is of a radically improved world for people with dementia.

Gill Myers, Branch manager, The Alzheimer's Society, Selby and York branch, Acomb Gables, Oak Rise, York.

alzyork@f2s.com www.alzheimers.org.uk/york