What can I say!

A couple of years ago I fell in love with a HEDGEHOG. 

He had  been injured (not badly, fortunately) and I took him to Cuan Wildlife hospital for treatment. At the time he was treated Cuan had 403 wildlife patients, 160 of them hedgehogs. After a month or so he was released safely back to potter in our garden and the fields beyond, fully recovered from his ordeal.

I was absolutely gobsmacked and shocked at the number of animals being cared for. 

I have volunteered at Cuan wildlife rescue as a part- time wildlife care assistant ever since, volunteering a morning a week when I'm not working as an STA, NNEB in a school or caring for my family.

  I have seen first hand the dedication of the staff to the care and rehabilitation of the injured, sick or orphaned wildlife which come through their door 365 days of the year. I have shared the joy of a successful release of an animal or bird back into the wild and also shared the upset when a patient hasn't survived. The wildlife rescue certainly isn't all about cute fluffy babies and the sun shining on a warm summers day.  It also means treating RTA, animals caught in barbed wire and other distressing injuries. Working sometimes knee deep in mud in a howling gale with rain lashing down.  

I have also seen the look of concentration  on children's faces as they have explored our model wildlife garden and discussed  ways to make the garden a more wildlife friendly/safe environment by removing  hazards that may be dangerous to hedgehogs and other wildlife. Also the wonder and excitement the children have on the annual open day when they meet some of the animals and birds.The charity's workshops help develop their knowledge and understanding of wildlife.

Being involved at Cuan is a combined humbling and a rewarding experience. 

Unfortunately many of the normal fundraising activities, the charity shop, powerpoint presentations and educational workshops have had to stop or close temporarily because of the Coronavirus lockdown. The charity has medicines, veterinary skills, food, bedding and other equipment it needs to buy to treat the wildlife in their care. Four thousand plus patients a year need a lot of food etc.

Because of the lockdown I'm unable to volunteer at the moment. I'm not by nature a couch potato and I enjoy being active and outside so I'm going to spend some time walking to raise much needed funds for them. 

Why 379 miles I hear you ask?   The founder of the charity Megan Morris-Jones and her family lived on The Isle of Luing, Scotland before moving to Much Wenlock. 379 miles is the distance between the two places.

Where am I walking?    Well not from Luing to Much Wenlock. I would get completely lost !! Around my house, garden and the permitted hour a day exercising outside. I will be using a walking distance App to record my progress.

How long will it take?  How long's a piece of string! But hopefully 8 weeks.

Do I still love hedgehogs?  Of course in fact more so. I have learnt so much more about them. I want my grandchildren to grow up being able to love them too and not just see them in a history book !! 

I will check in fortnightly with my progress.

Helping Cuan Wildlife Rescue charity helps our beautiful, wonderful interesting wildlife survive the sometimes difficult world they live in.

Please sponsor me. No amount is to small. The loose change at the bottom of your handbag  or rattling around your trouser pocket would be so much appreciated.

Thank you. Sarahx

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.