Would you give up a seat to a disabled person?

I AM ashamed that selfish train passengers refused to give up their seat to Amit Patel, who is blind (Mail). Was there no compassion for or understanding of the difficulties that Mr Patel, who was accompanied by his guide dog, was experiencing? What has happened to the manners and care we used to show those in less fortunate positions than ourselves?

J. PENDER, Brentford, Middlesex. my Husband was blind and up to the age of 65 he used to travel to work daily to London using the bus, train and Tube with his guide dog. If, as was very likely, it was standing room only, he preferred to stand with the other commuters. If he was offered a seat, he would politely refuse, joking that it was his eyes he had a problem with, not his legs. some of his fellow commuters became great friends and I believe it was his attitude towards them that made him so well respected, not to mention his guide dog, who made herself comfortable at his, or someone else’s, feet. Mrs JANET BROOKER, Hutton, Essex.

WE ALL see bad behaviour every day, with some people totally wrapped up in their own lives, but the lack of compassion towards the blind commuter and his guide dog is despicable.

JUNE MORRIS, King’s Lynn, Norfolk. WHAT is wrong with people today that they can’t give basic care to someone in need? That mr Patel and others in similar positions should have to suffer indignities on a regular basis while commuting to work is appalling. What cost a helping hand? If he had been in a train carriage with any member of my family, he would not have had to ask for a seat.

MAGGIE PEARCE, Harwich, Essex.

AMIT PATEL should not feel humiliated that no one would give up a seat for him. Those without the decency to show consideration towards him should be the ones to feel humiliated.

DUGALD BARR, London W8.