Joanna Wickham was the best friend of my daughter, Trudi Hamer. We are devastated by the news of her death (The Argus, October 22).

Joanna was a careful driver and I can only assume she was trying to avoid a pheasant on that part of the Balcombe Road.

For many years, I have thought about trying to find out who those birds belong to.

I have twice spun my car completely around in avoiding hitting one of those birds.

I was lucky because nothing was following me and I was able to turn my car back round.

The pheasants stand at the side of the road and just walk out in front of your car. You cannot help but try to avoid them.

Since no other car was involved and knowing how much Joanna loved animals, I am sure that is what happened.

Joanna's funeral is tomorrow, at the Downs Crematorium, Brighton, and her mother has asked, instead of flowers, would her friends and family give donations to the RSPCA - that says it all.

-Mrs K R V Hamer, Grand Avenue, Hassocks