IT is with a great measure of sadness to read in the national press on July 7 the extent to which appalling inhuman methods of training fundraisers has long been acceptable.

Now it has been condemned and exposed.

Truly caring people have been taught to be utterly ruthless but sound compassionate, to put us in a position where we cannot say ‘no’ to their demanding tactics that are totally void of caring and respect.

In my final decade of life’s journey, I have experienced it all. The phone, demanding letters and pamphlets, and, of course, demands in the street.

Baroness Greengross of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia, Ageing and Older People, has described this shocking practice as ‘beyond the pale.’ Marilyn Baldwin OBE, the founder of Think Jessica Charity, was disgusted by the techniques that are little more than emotional blackmail. She is delighted this has been exposed.

Dame Esther Rantzen, a trustee of the NSPCC, was horrified to learn that her charity had been calling vulnerable people on ‘no-call lists.’ She welcomed this investigation and its vital importance.

It would take me far too long to cover every aspect of this treacherous situation of abuse and sheer cruelty that has been allowed to fester over the years, targeting the most vulnerable and fragile people in our multi-cultural society.

The elderly, physically impaired and mentally handicapped, all need support and tender loving care across the age span.

MARY RATCLIFFE Old Town, Swindon