SIR — A rare fairytale princess moment came my way recently, thanks to my three children. It was a day at a top health spa in Taunton, donated by the owners for an auction in aid of the Chinese Moon Bear Rescue Centre, part of the Animals Asia Charity.

This had been my Christmas present. I had delayed the treat for several months, but I arrived at last.

After an hour in the floatation tank followed by a wonderful lunch, I lay back in the rooftop hot tub in splendid isolation gazing up at the blue sky and fluffy white clouds while anticipating an hour-long massage. What unaccustomed luxury!

However, I felt vaguely uneasy. I'd done nothing really to earn this treat.

Yes, it was a thank you from my kids but I thought of those poor moon bears in their caged hell on bear bile farms in China.

Were it not for them and their suffering I would not be here. I was experiencing bliss while for them it was a life of agony.

For many it is a life cut short as they often die from septic wounds in cages too small for them to move. I decided then and there to write this letter.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Lee Gibbins from Holford, the main fundraiser, and Jill Robinson and her dedicated staff at the rescue centre in China, many bears have been saved from their prisons of pain.

For the lucky ones rescued and recovering from their trauma, their affectionate fun-loving nature begins to shine through.

The hard work of the Animals Asia team has initiated a gradual change in Chinese law as people there become aware of the suffering of many animals, especially the moon bears.

Lee organises a lot of local fundraising events. Many people enjoyed a very successful moon bear rescue sponsored coast walk ending with a cream tea near Kilve a couple of weeks ago.

She has two entertainment events happening in the next few weeks. The first one is on October 14 and for music lovers there's a benefit concert at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre in Taunton, on October 22, featuring Louis and the Iguanas playing reggae, ska, soul and rock 'n' roll. Tickets are £7, concessions £6 and students £5. Booking Office telephone is 01823 414141.

Lee is extremely dedicated to the cause and she's always grateful for help, no matter how little. She's aware that most people lead busy lives! If just one person responds to this letter it will have been worthwhile.

Lee Gibbins can be contacted at The Old Rectory, Holford, Tel: 01278 741648, email: [email protected]">[email protected], website: http://www.animalsasia.org">www.animalsasia.org.

Mrs Jacky Cullingford,

Roadwater.