COLD COMFORT

Leisa Scott’s article “Frozen in Time” (March 27-28) brought back fond memories of Charlotte, my Burmese cat, who died in 2004. She attended both sons’ weddings, lay beside me for months when I was recovering from a severe illness and travelled with us on holidays. I can understand why people can’t let go and decide to have their pets freeze frozen. She was my constant companion for 19 years and I miss her still.

One cannot but feel deeply for Rosie Ayliffe whose only child, Mia, was murdered at Home Hill whilst backpacking and living at a hostel. To think another backpacker who attempted to help Mia was also killed, is horrendous. During her investigations, Ms Ayliffe uncovered a great amount of exploitation of backpackers by some no-good farmers in our country. Ms Ayliffe has done a great service to others by chronicling what she discovered in her book. This will be of great benefit to others who will undoubtedly resume this lifestyle post-COVID. Many families owe her a debt of gratitude.