I FIND it quite unbelievable that there are those who criticise a man who, for the cause of peace in the Middle East, was prepared to shave his head and, for a whole week, devote himself entirely to prayer, while fasting and sleeping in a very small tent on the stone floor of York Minster.

They obviously did not visit the Chapel of St John during the vigil or, if they did, missed out on something special happening there.

I called in on the day before the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, broke his fast and ended the vigil, to offer my prayers along with his and countless others.

It was an awe-inspiring experience, seeing this dignified, prayerful figure in his scarlet robes, showing not a sign of weakness, his voice strong and sincere as he offered up the public prayers on the hour.

Here indeed was a man of great presence, the empty tent before the altar so meaningful.

There was a young couple there with a very small child. I'm sure that they will long remember the Archbishop coming over to speak with them and allowing this little one to play with the cross hanging from his neck.

I came out of the Minster, into the sunshine, knowing that I had witnessed something very special.

Thank you, Dr Sentamu, on behalf of all those who are caught up in the atrocities of war.

Eileen Gray, Beaverdyke, York.