LES Fox’s pathetic attempt at humour justifying smoking (SA, May 5) was at the very least in bad taste.

He may think it was funny, but to those who have lost loved ones to smoking-related diseases and heart attacks it could be very distressing.

My wife had severe asthma caused through smoking and died of bronchial pneumonia aged 69 which is not old these days.

He should take a trip to the GWH to see some of the patients if he thinks smoking is harmless.

A BURN Okebourne Park Liden Swindon