SIR - I was reading in the newspaper dated September 30 about the family who gave up their holiday in Greece to help the refugees.
We all know it’s very moving but shouldn’t they have gone to Syria where the real refugees are, still living in tents, who can’t afford traffickers to get them across waters?
If people can find money to pay these people they should have got a plane to Europe, although I shouldn’t think any of them has a passport. This way, so many can get through without being checked out and now it’s other countries joining the bandwagon. 
I still think the young ones should have joined the army and fought for their country instead of running during the war.
We had nowhere to run, just had to stick it out. Now we’ve got Russia showing off its strength as if to say ‘Don’t mess with us’.
A G MACDONALD 
Worcester

There are still lots of decent people around
SIR – I’d like to draw your attention to an incident the other day which showed there are still decent people around.
My elderly father tripped and fell over a paving slab in Malvern Link and within moments two couples raced to his aid.
In addition to this, staff from Handyman House also came to help, offering aid and a seat within the store whilst the emergency services were called.
The paramedic was also very professional and gave my father a thorough examination.
I would just like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, everyone who looked after my father in such a caring way.
C W KINSEY
Malvern

An issue I’m not willing to walk away from
SIR – A recent poll has revealed that children hugely value walking to school for the social time with friends and family, just like their parents and grandparents did. But less than half of children now get this opportunity. Walking is a free and healthy option for children yet walking rates continue to decline.
It’s not too late to turn things around if we act now. Walking to school can help children and parents build activity into their daily lives and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We need to invest in the walk to school now, before the inactive children of today become the unhealthy adults of the future.
I have pledged my support to Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, and I’m urging Prime Minister David Cameron to prioritise walking in the upcoming spending review. 
I would encourage others to do the same through the Living Streets website.
TERRY REID
Worcester

Thanks for helping our talking newspaper
SIR – May I thank all those who kindly donated to the street collection in Pershore on Saturday, October 3, in aid of Pershore Talking Newspaper.
Due to their generosity, I am pleased to report that the amount collected totalled £298.67. 
Pershore Talking Newspaper is highly valued by the blind and partially-sighted people in the town and surrounding villages who receive it. 
The paper is run entirely by volunteers and we are very grateful for the support we are given by the town, which enables us to record and distribute local news to those who are unable to read it for themselves.
SUSAN HARTLEY-BENNETT 
Pershore


Are some people more equal than others?
SIR – The Bournemouth Daily Echo sadly reports the death of Donald, a two-month-old boy who died living in a car with his homeless parents. His death was not flashed all over the world by the global media, hardly mentioned, unlike the story of Aylan  Kardi, the Syrian boy who drowned in controversial  circumstances. 
In this day and age why are a British family sleeping in a car? Where is the money for families like these, yet money is found for immigrants? Where are the volunteers trying to help? Why was no housing found for this family? We hear the politicians making austerity cuts to services, yet some people gain all benefits while others die and suffer because of cuts. This situation is not acceptable in Britain today.
CARL MASON
BNP, Worcester

Looking to help our priceless countryside
SIR – As we enjoy the first days of autumn in our beautiful countryside, the pressure on those who care for rural Britain is continuing to mount. On average a farmer is forced out of business every day because of severe downturns in the price for milk and lamb.
This, coupled with a younger generation disillusioned with a future in British agriculture, and the disappearance of shops, pubs and rural services means the countryside is facing a crisis this autumn.
This is why the Prince’s Countryside Fund is offering £725,000 to rural projects across Britain to improve livelihoods and communities and find our farmers of the future.
See our website for more details. We would love to hear from you.
 CLAIRE SAUNDERS
Director, The Prince’s Countryside Fund

Heavenly mystery
SIR – Like you, John Phillpott (September 19), I stare hard at the stars and am filled with wonder at the mystery of it.
Heaven awaits all good people, John.
GEORGE COWLEY
Worcester