Hello Mr Cornwell, I was first introduced to your books by my son-in-law who is an avid Sharpe fan, but after seeing the TV series first I found that it spoilt the enjoyment of “not knowing the end” but as I am interested in history I began to read your other novels and have now read most of them at least once. I was hooked on the Last Kingdom, and so passed this on to my daughter for her and son-in-law to read. We all thought it was such a good book that we awaited the release of the Pale Horseman, and then the Lord of the North with much anticipation, so we can’t wait for Sword Song. The purpose of this message is that I just wanted you to know that my first grandchild was born this year in January, and after much secrecy I was delighted that Stacey and Damian (Damo) called her BRIDA, after falling in love with the name in the Last Kingdom. Brida Elizabeth Heartford is now 5 months old, but unfortunately has the rare inherited condition of Epidermolysis Bullosa. It is very distressing condition in which the skin breaks down, and we have been told that this beautiful little girl, with the beautiful name only has a few months to live. You just cannot survive without skin. My son in law is in the RAF and his friends have dedicated a web site to raise funds for the charity that is supporting Brida – to date we have raised over £14,000 pounds. As a grandmother I feel so helpless, but am determined to raise awareness of the condition, the charity needs as much publicity as it can get. If you have 2 minutes to spare PLEASE visit the DebRA web site www.debra.org.uk and follow the link ‘running for baby Brida’. I’m not sure why I’m telling you all of this, or how I think you can help, but it helps me to write and to cope. Thank you for your time. Oh and I loved ‘Fallen angels & A crowning mercy’ too Stephanie Holland Nottinghamshire UK