HOW sad I was to read about the death of Anne Lyus in the obituaries section of Vale & Dale in the Gazette & Herald on Wednesday, March 12.

Mrs Lyus was my manager 12 years ago when I secured my first job as a waiter for the National Trust at Treasurer’s House Tea Rooms, in York.

She interviewed me for the role and was the first person to offer me a job.

After I left I lost touch with her, but was fortunate to bump into her in York, in December 2012, for a brief catch-up. I had no idea that she had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease shortly before then.

I never met her husband or any of her family but I offer them my condolences. I would also encourage people to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

On another note, as a tenant in rented accommodation where there is no washing machine, my only option is to take my laundry to the dry cleaners to be washed or to Next Steps, in Norton, where there are self-service facilities (one machine, and only until 3pm on weekdays).

I cannot afford to buy a washing machine and have applied to the Citizens Advice Bureau and the council for help. I am not considered vulnerable by local charities because I do not have children or dependants. I do have a washing line to dry clothes on in fine weather, but otherwise I would have to dry the clothes on radiators. Why is there no self-service launderette in Malton and Norton where you put money into the machines?

Peter Donnelly, Malton