Keep fighting for the freedom of ALL animals

Dear John,

It's Nicola here, from Freedom for Animals. I am emailing to say a heartfelt goodbye, after more than nine years working alongside you and others like you, to help animals.

I wanted to send an email to you, to thank you for all your support over the years, to lead us to some amazing victories for animals.

I can't quite believe that today is my last day at the charity. I will be moving to another role within the animal protection world, but Freedom for Animals will always mean a great deal to me.

Over my 9 years at Freedom for Animals I have been fortunate to work on some great campaigns and with some great people, to help animals. I love that FFA focuses on many issues that no one else does, speaking out for animals who are often overlooked.

My happiest moments have been in the victories, including of course securing bans across Britain on wild animals circuses. To see the dream of our founder, Irene Heaton, become reality after 60 years, was an incredible moment.

I will never forget the day that two beluga whales being held captive by Sea Life, were finally rehomed to sanctuary. It was heartbreaking that Jun Jun never made it back to the sea, but I hope Little Grey and Little White have nothing but good days ahead.

Being able to expose the treatment of animals at animal trainer 'Amazing Animals' was also a highlight, a first in UK animal rights campaigning.

But it's not just these big victories that are important. I value the work on our harder campaigns, where we still have a lot to do to help animals. Most special to me was working on the campaign to help other animals in aquariums, like fishes, crabs, octopuses. Who really need us to do more for them. These animals are so often overloked and dismissed, and I am grateful that you stand up for them just as strongly as you do for other animals.

Read more on why animals in aquariums need your help here: www.freedomforanimals.org.uk/aquariums

I have also seen a shift in public opinion towards zoos and captivity generally which I believe is a key step on the long road to animal freedom.

I have enjoyed working with you to make all this possible. And I know you will keep up the fight! For all animals, big and small, scaled, furred or feathered...

As I sign off with FFA for the final time, I thank you for everything you have done to help animals. And implore you to keep up the fight until all are free.