Letter: A mother of courage

Sir: Hunter Davies missed the point when he wrote about Sarah Keays ('She doesn't give up', 21 December). Spurned by the Establishment, she has fought against all odds to put right the damage that has been done to her reputation by means of the only remedy available: the High Court.

Those who have not fought, as plaintiff, an action for libel, can have little idea of the courage required, in her case not once but several times. Unless one is of substantial wealth, it takes stronger nerves than most of us possess. To do it with an invalid child and under the spotlight of publicity demonstrates a quality of robust independence. How many other women have fought the Establishment so publicly, and so cheerfully?

Yours faithfully,

RUPERT GREY

Petersfield, Hampshire

23 December