I noticed that Judy Way (Letters, June 28) was too upset about Huntingdon Life Sciences managing director Brian Cass being given a CBE for services to medical research to mention that he was physically attacked by an animal extremist last year and required stitches.

The activist responsible was given a three-year sentence for this serious assault.

The fact these people constantly feel a need to resort to using violence and intimidation indicates they must have quite a weak case.

I was saddened by the death of our founder member, Andrew Blake, as he was to have received an MBE in this year's honours list - but the award cannot be given posthumously.

Andrew had been confined to a wheelchair since the age of 15 by a rare genetic disorder called Friedreich's ataxia.

This did not stop the extremists sending him death threats and hate mail for speaking the unspeakable. An example of the compassion he received from such people includes: "I hope you die in agony, you cripple."

When asked for their response to the good news, before Andrew's death, the patrons and medical panel of Seriously Ill for Medical Research (SIMR) were delighted his work was to have been recognised in this important way.

"Andrew has unselfishly used his own situation in an attempt to help others now and in the future and worked against terrible odds to ensure that essential medical research continues. I am absolutely delighted that this has been recognised and that he is to receive a well-deserved honour," said Jane Asher, patron.

-Thomas Bromley, Executive Secretary, SIMR, PO Box 3126, Littlehampton