It would have been nicer to use the word "man" in the headline reporting the death of Matthew Heading (The Argus, June 29).

We were already dealing with the loss of a friend and it upset us to see him defined by a problematic facet of his life.

I knew him as a caring and gentle man of many interests with impressive talents for art and for maintaining his courage and sense of humour in the face of physical and social challenges which would have daunted most of us.

Matt will be missed by many people who feel enriched by having known him.

-Sara Alexandra, Brighton