I was upset to read about the withdrawal of funding for St Patrick's homeless night shelter and the possible closure of this fine establishment.

It is a lifeline for some of those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Every year since he was about six, my son has given a hamper to the shelter at Christmas.

He must have seen something on the television because he asked me about the homeless, saying, "Mummy, how can we enjoy our Christmas when there are so many people with nothing? Can we take something to them?"

So we made up a hamper with Christmas treats and delivered it. We have done so every year since and he is now aged 13.

He was upset when I told him the shelter might close.

We have so many celebrities who live in this city, wouldn't it be possible for them to get together and form some sort of Brighton Aid - as in Band Aid - to help support this charity?

I'm sure a little action from them would mean so much to the people who rely on St Patrick's.

We should all remember that nothing is forever and no one knows when they may have to call upon the help of others.

I feel for the men and women who find themselves homeless through no fault of their own and hope funding can somehow be found to help St Patrick's remain open.

I applaud the fine work which has been done there over the past years.

-Debbie Knowles, Brighton