IT WAS saddened to read that New Forest resident, Murray Walker, had died.

I did not get around to meeting him.

When I use to be the publicity officer for the then New Milton based, New Forest Marathon, he was someone I contacted and asked if he would act as race starter for our event.

He very kindly replied, almost apologising, that he could not attend as he was working that weekend.

He did know of our charity event.

Many other celebrities I contacted, some very well know names. Most were kind enough to send me a letter or telephone call, saying they would have liked to be there but, couldn't.

Richard Grant

Burley.