AS my mother is alive today because of medical research involving the humane use of animals, I cannot allow Derek Mountford of Animal Aid (Lancashire Evening Telegraph, December 27) to go unchallenged.

I think the work of Professor Colin Blakemore, a neuroscientist and Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council deserves to be honoured and recognised, despite the fact that some of his valuable research has involved animals. He and his family have also shown much courage in enduring the more extreme end of the anti-vivisection movement.

Whether we approve of it or not, it is a fact that some animals need to be used, when necessary, in medical research -- until suitable alternative methods are found -- in order to develop new drugs and therapies to help combat life-threatening conditions affecting both humans and animals.

Your correspondent also attacks the Coalition for Medical Progress (CMP) of which we are a member, interestingly enough they conducted a survey which found that 90 per cent of British people accept the need for research using animals

Seriously Ill for Medical Research (SIMR) is a patients' group which supports the humane use of animals where necessary in medical research. Our members suffer from serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, asthma and many, many more.

THOMAS BROMLEY, SIMR Executive Secretary, PO Box 504, Dunstable, Beds.