Ever tried writing to something rather than someone?

It's not easy to know what to write in your letter, especially if you're writing to a stranger.

We have a tip for you - why not try writing to something rather than someone. You might be surprised at where the letter takes you and if you're happy with the result, just pop it in a card saying that you hope the reader enjoys your unusual letter.

Our Donate A Letter writer Liz did just that. Here's her letter:

Dear Hubcap,

I wonder why the only time I truly notice you is when you are alone, flung off a speeding car tyre and strewn on a grass verge or in a ditch?

What is your role, actually? is it protection? Is to be visually pleasing? Are you unhappy by the onslaught of modern alloy wheels - so beloved by men, so ignored by the fairer sex?

Will you end up in a museum, a relic and reminder of our first cars - held together by rust and mesh? Will we mourn your passing? Will the next generation wonder who you were, like a vinyl record? Isn't it interesting that so many 'round' things have become obsolete - records, DVDs, minidiscs, space hoppers!

I still have the front number plate from my first car - it's TRE 864X (a talbot sunbeam, pale yellow with a black vinyl roof) - but never even wondered whether a hubcap survived me handing the car down to my brother.

Where are you now? I hope you are still shining, wherever you may be.

Your friend

Liz

Whatever you write, your letter will be so appreciated by the recipient. Whether you are writing to someone you know with cancer, or for our Donate A Letter programme, your efforts are gratefully received. And to the reader, they might be just what’s needed to distract them from treatment.