I WAS very sad to hear of the sudden death of Steve Humphrey. I wasn’t a friend of his, I barely knew him in fact, but I had met him during the recent General Election when he spoke at various meetings as an Independent candidate.

The fantastic thing about Steve was that he embodied the whole meaning of democracy in this wonderful country that we live in.

Here was a gentleman who had been homeless, without lots of cash to spare, but risked what little he had by placing a deposit so he could put himself forward as a prospective MP.

Some people in his situation would not be interested and could not be bothered to make this huge effort. Steve though, campaigned relentlessly and whether you agreed with his politics or not, he succeeded in bringing to many people’s attention the plight of the disadvantaged.

We should all be proud of Steve for his attempt and proud of this country, which unlike so many in the world is democratic and free. Where Steve and extraordinary people like him can put themselves forward to be elected in a General Election and have as fair a chance as anyone of winning.

SALLY WILTON, Portman Road, Bournemouth