ALTHOUGH these days we are undoubtedly better informed about health issues, it remains true that major killers like cancer, heart disease and AIDS get wide media coverage.

In publicity terms, these are hotly pursued by other major medical conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, leukaemia and multiple sclerosis.

I am interested in the 'flip side' of the story and in hearing the experiences of sufferers of rarer diseases, in particular the relationship they have with the media.

I believe that sufferers of the rarer, so-called 'orphan' diseases deserve a better deal in enhancing awareness and thereby educating the public at large.

There are hundreds of such conditions and while the number of sufferers of any one is relatively small, when added together they form a significant group of people who deserve a voice.

Typically, a support group is created to bring sufferers together, but lack of resources means that such groups often find it difficult to establish and maintain an 'awareness' message.

I am keen to hear from individuals or groups with a story to tell. Please either e-mail me at prman@ruspidge44.freeserve.co.uk or write to Fernbank, 72 Ruspidge Road, Ruspidge, Gloucs GL14 3AE.

R THOMPSON,