Madam,

It was lovely to read about the moving ceremony in remembrance of brave cancer fighter Megan Smith (Balloons fly high in memory of Megan, 27 - February 11).

However, could I please appeal to people to think twice before releasing balloons as part of events.

Fragments of the balloons or, in some cases, whole, deflated balloons, can be eaten by animals, causing death and suffering, and birds and other animals can become entangled in string attached to the balloons.

The RSPCA, the Marine Conservation Society, the RSPB, the National Farmers Union, various Wildlife Trusts and many others are in opposition to balloon releases, because of the risk of harm to wildlife and farmed animals that they pose.

Hector Roux