Ever since the UK – in other words, London – won the competition to stage the 2012 Olympics I have been concerned about the distribution of National Lottery funds to good causes.

I manage a small charity for older people and over a 10-year period, we have successfully applied for modest Lottery grants, to support vulnerable people, in one of the most disadvantaged communities in the UK.

Since 2007, it has become increasingly difficult to attract Lottery funding, despite the submission of excellent applications, with clear outcomes and milestones. And, of course, thousands of small charities are in the same boat, chasing scarce resources from the National Lottery and other charitable trusts etc.

I had never really thought of the elitist nature of the Olympics, but it is so clearly set out in the letter from A J Robinson that it takes your breath away.

My passion and professional interest is the needs of older people, but it could equally apply to other groups of vulnerable people, like children, teenagers or adults with learning difficulties. How will any of these marginalised people benefit from the multi-millions of Lottery funding being thrown at the 2012 Olympics? In my considered opinion, not one iota!

Cherril Cliff, Hall Lane, Leeds