On 18 May, the 'Daily Telegraph' announced in a front-page story that the investigation against Baroness Boothroyd has been dropped. This petition was mentioned in the article, which means that each of you played an enormous part in helping to end this particular bit of madness. I cannot thank you enough for your time and support.

Even in the best of times many people ignore, or delay doing, helpful things such as this. Over the past few years, and the last one in particular, as it's become more and more obvious that the inmates have an enormous hand in running the asylums, it's become very easy to fall into traps: thinking there's no point, that it's too late and the powers-that-be are too powerful for your voice to make any difference, or feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of things that might be done to fight back against the lunacy. So many petitions to sign, so many MPs and editors to write to, etc. that we may start out well but eventually become exhausted and give up. These things are precisely what those who would divide us and take away our hard-won freedoms want, and you did not give in.

This is proof that every individual can make an enormous difference in whether the world is civilised or brutal, democratic or tyrannical. You have not only shown support for a wonderful woman, you've also helped to make the country a better and safer place for the future. One signature, then another, and suddenly a stone forcibly taken from the fortress of democracy has been quietly and peaceably replaced. What you achieved is nothing short of remarkable.

My deepest thanks to all of you, and tremendous apologies for not sending you news of your victory in a more timely fashion. Quite shamefully I've been putting off some much-needed computer work which has affected my ability to use many websites. Please note that this is my fault entirely and no reflection upon change.org, which is a splendid site. If any of you are thinking of getting up a petition I recommend it very highly.

It may sound silly but this has been one of the most exciting and moving events of my life: I never imagined more than a handful of people would sign and certainly didn't think it would effect any change. It's been incredibly touching to see that so many people supported what I thought was probably a futile gesture. Instead, you brought common sense into the House of Lords. Not many people can honestly claim to have done that so give yourselves an enormous pat on the back! My very best wishes and deepest gratitude to each of you.