SIR – I agreed with just about everything in the celebratory Comment about the Paralympics ‘Inspired by those who reach so far’ (Worcester News , September 10).

But at a time when welfare benefit and service cuts are actually casting the disabled adrift and engendering the concern of disability organisations nationwide, one should be cautious about any presumption that disabled people succeed only on attitude and endeavour in athletics or any other sphere like the Paralympians.

In many of these sporting pursuits they still require an exceptional cardiovascular physiology as well as being gifted with talent, drive and tenacity and other circumstances conducive to success.

At a time of some of the more significant disability benefits reforms, with many struggling not only with their health but anxious about their livelihoods, it can be most unhelpful.

When hundreds of thousands of people are being assessed for these benefits the last thing they need is the exceptional example of elite athletes as the blueprint of their merit or potential.

The reality is that many disabled people live alone often with little support and many have mental health problems and their lives are a real struggle.

They are still disadvantaged in finding work, many buildings remain inaccessible and travelling on public transport, although viable, is clumsy and laborious.

Yes a ‘can do’ attitude always takes an individual further than they would otherwise go but for some, getting out of bed, doing the housework or managing a trip around Sainsbury’s amounts to a gold medal winning effort.

While the Paralympics represented a glorious and univerally inspiring moment, it comes with its subtle dangers. We should not forget that the simple things those without impairment take for granted are often marathon efforts for others and, after all, it could be any one of us in the same situation at any moment.

ANDREW BROWN

Worcester