I'M writing with regard to your story "Transsexual's mum blasts bullies" (LET, January 13).

This is a truly tragic story, and highlights the ignorance and hostility with which a minority of people -- even now -- treat transfolk.

Sadly, the sort of abuse Paula had to endure is still all too common -- we regularly hear similar stories in the online TS support groups. Of course, most of them don't involve a death so they don't make the press. Even when they do, the reporting is often insensitive at best. I'm pleased to say that your report is by far one of the better ones.

I can only hope that the people of Chorley have learnt something from her story, and that others in that community will be treated as the people they are.

ANNA-JAYNE METCALFE, Basingstoke, Hampshire (via email).