News

Hedgehog Hospital Appeal

Thursday November 6th 2008

Scouse Hog Hospital seeks aid. Here at Freshfields Animal Rescue centre we act as Liverpool’s own hedgehog hospital! Freshfields wildlife unit has been inundated with the little creatures over the last 12 months. Each of which has come in for a different reason. Amongst them there have been amputees, maggot-infestation, those scalped by equipment, abscess-laden, tiny orphans, those with skin infections to those that were victims of road traffic injuries.

Over £10,000 allocated for hog hospital work The centre works by isolation and treatment of those brought in, with an average length of hospitalisation being 12 weeks. The centre releases rehabilitated hedgehogs onto safe sites. The release only takes place at designated sites when the hogs are of an optimum body weight. If they do not reach the optimum weight for hibernation then they are not released and are over wintered on site until the warmer spring weather. There have been 100 individual hedgehogs admitted in 2007 and at present there are 35 on site. In 2006 the survival rate of the hedgehogs brought into the centre was 69%.

Just this part of the shelters work costs £103.49 for one individual. Over £10,000 has been allocated to this work. Curled up hedgehog Liverpool has a breeding population of hogs, which are in decline due to road mortality, pesticides, gardening chemicals, rebuilding, poor diversity of wild gardening patches offering much needed shelter and hibernation. Case histories: "He may well have lost a leg but he certainly hasn’t lost is appetite!" Of the many disabled hogs released into enclosed gardens, pharmacist Karen Stephens looks after a blind female. The hedgehog had a prolapsed eye and navigates solely by smell and eats regular as clockwork! Karen says, “She does her own thing. There is lots of space for her and we all enjoy seeing her bustling about.”

Another amazing individual is Robin Reliant, a 3 legged amputee from Wallasey, Wirral. Since the operation he has adapted fantastically well, and is having no trouble scrabbling about, even though he is only into his third week of post surgery treatment. He has healed really well and is finding life just as wonderful as ever. He may well have lost a leg but he certainly hasn’t lost is appetite! Full of life and character, the charity is confident that in the spring he will be picnicking in a suburban garden in Merseyside. As with many of the individuals dealt with, the unfortunate accident that left Robin having to have one of his legs removed could have been avoided.

One thing the centre has noticed is the public’s lack of knowledge of hedgehogs and what they should do to help them. So the hog hospital is asking the public for four things: You can help us to help the hogs Hogs out in the daytime should be taken to a vet straightaway. Leave it too long and it could deteriorate fast as being out in the daytime is a sign of them being ill. Extreme caution is a must when it comes to using strimmers and mowers in long grass. Most gardening injuries are fatal. Always leave that rough patch at the bottom of the garden, that big pile of leaves and brambles will be shelter for all sorts. Sponsor a hog’s stay with us for £103 this will pay for 3 months respite.

Congratulations…and Thank You!

Thursday November 6th 2008

Big Day benefits Freshfields Animals! Congratulations and thanks to Freshfields Supporters Neil and Nicola Dingley of St Helens. They got married recently and, instead of buying wedding table favours, they made a donation to Freshfields – and told all their wedding guests they were doing so. It’s a lovely idea and very well worth copying………any takers ?

Lesley’s Trek

Thursday November 6th 2008

I would like to thank everyone who kindly sponsored me for the sponsored trek through the Andes in Peru. A total sum of £2,500 was raised for Freshfields. Lesley, half way down the line with the red rucsack I was fortunate that I did not suffer the altitude sickness many of the others experienced. As we gained height, the air became very thin and I felt very tired but had no other symptoms.

We climbed to a height of 12,000 feet, it was warm with an occasional shower in the day but below freezing at night. It was a case of having to sleep fully attired to stay warm and even then there were nights during which it was hard to stop shivering.

I was pleased to note that the pack horses which accompanied us were in good condition and not overloaded .When we stopped, they did also and in the evenings were turned loose to graze.

Camping is most definitely not my idea of bliss but all in all it was worthwhile for the charity and it was certainly an amazing experience . I think I will wait a while before I attempt another challenge though already have an idea for one the year after next! Thank you all for supporting this event. Lesley

Whole Hog Challenge

Thursday November 6th 2008

How two supporters had a great day and raised funds for the rescue centre. We successfully completed the 'Whole Hog Challenge' on Sunday 15th June 2008. The event was held at Alton Towers, Staffordshire. It was an eight mile race. However, it was a race with a difference. One had to complete mental and physical challenges along the route. The event was organised by 'Adventure Challenge Events' http://www.acefundraising.co.uk/wholehog_1.htm

Climbing, wriggling and wading

Luckily, the weather on the day of the event was really warm and sunny. Most of the running was off-road through really pretty countryside. The challenges were many and various. For example: 1. Climbing, or in our case scrambling, up a tree with the aid of a rope. 2. Wriggling through a very long and narrow underground tunnel. We both felt a little trepidation when confronted with this challenge. 3. Wading through a river section. This became progressively deeper. Initially, it was up to our knees. However, eventually we were up to our necks in freezing water. 4. Struggling through a section of extremely deep mud. A few competitors lost their shoes here. 5. An army style assault course, complete with rope climb. One had to climb up it, fling oneself over the top and then climb down the other side. 6. Climbing up a steep bank to Alton Castle, again using a rope. Once at the Castle, we then had to find our way through it. This was not as easy as it sounds. The inside had been completely blacked out. We couldn't see a thing. We had to find our way through by feeling along the length of a string. 7. Walking along the length of what only can be described as a tightrope. One steadied oneself by holding onto a second rope strung overhead. There were many other challenges… too many to describe in detail here. Neither Laila nor I had ever competed in an event like this before. We did not really know what to expect.

After the race

However, we had an absolutely fantastic time. We completed all of the challenges along the route. We refused to take what the organisers called the "piglet option" (basically, this is an easier form of each challenge or a time penalty). Instead, we just took a deep breath and got on with whatever was thrown at us. I think our energy and determination came from the knowledge that we were raising money for an exceptionally good cause. We were just glad to be doing something to help raise money for Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre. We are both animal lovers. I am a volunteer dog walker with Freshfields, and Laila's Mum is employed in the cattery. We think that Freshfields do wonderful work and we hope that they will be able to continue their work in the years to come. The "Whole Hog" event was really well organised. The atmosphere on the day was brilliant. The organisers were very welcoming. There were marshalls at each section, giving us tips and making sure everyone was safe. There were many other competitors. Many of them, like us, were beginners and aiming to complete the challenge for charity. All of the competitors were really friendly. There was a real feeling of comraderie. There was always someone shouting encouragement at you, or giving you a helping hand, when you were struggling to complete a challenge.

Soaking wet and filthy...

The starter gun went off at 12.30pm. We ran over the finishing line, soaking wet and filthy, to big applause at 3.15pm. Although shattered, we were absolutely elated. We weren't among the fastest competitors but nor were we the slowest. Apparently, results will be published on the acefundraising website. But to be honest, we are not really concerned with our time or position. We just wanted to finish. We wanted to run the route and complete all of the challenges to the best of our ability. And that is exactly what we did. I think the thing we will remember most about the "Whole Hog Challenge" is how much fun we had. We would definitely consider doing another challenge in the future. We would encourage anyone who wants to support Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre to get sponsored for a similar event. You don't have to be an athlete, you just have to have a go. You will be surprised at how much completing an event like this will boost your confidence. Laila and I are still on a high!! Having completed the “Whole Hog Challenge”, we set about the task of collecting our sponsorship money. Prior to the challenge, I set up an online sponsorship page www.justgiving.com/wholehog4freshfields Our online target was £100. We exceeded this and raised £122 online. We also collected sponsorship money offline. Our offline total is £594. Altogether, we raised £716.

3 Peaks Challenge for Freshfields

Thursday November 6th 2008

Ian Scott is going to do the Yorkshire 3 peaks challenge as a sponsored event for Freshfields, on 3rd June. Ian is hoping to complete the walk in 11 hours. From his just giving page: "What I and my good mate Stan are hoping to achieve is to walk the long and demanding course in under 10hrs. The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a walking challenge route with the circuit normally starting and ending at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, visiting the three highest peaks in Yorkshire - Pen-y-ghent (691m), Whernside (728m), and Ingleborough (723m) - in that order. The total distance walked is around 25 miles.

Last year it took us 11hrs 15 minutes, so this year we've set ourselves quite a challenge! Blood, sweat and tears aside it will be worthwhile if we hit our target of £1000. This will provide funds for vets, workers and food and allow the good work to continue." Please sponsor him in this tough challenge at http://www.justgiving.com/3peak4freshfields You can find out more and watch a video at the above web page.

Threatened With Closure

Thursday November 6th 2008

Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre has been threatened with closure recently due to a severe shortage of funds. Below are two letters printed in The Echo in response to this news:

Animal Centre Fears

I read about Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre being in debt for £80,000 with the threat of closure (ECHO, April 8). It would be a shame if this happens, Freshfields have worked hard for over 30 years, rescuing, caring and re-homing animals. They would be a great loss to the community. I just hope they get the help they require, to help the never-ending flow of unwanted animals that end up at their sanctuary. J.Rigby, L13

No Apology Given

It was very distressing to read the artice 'Rescue Us, Says Animal Shelter' (ECHO, April 8) Many people, including myself, have reason to be very grateful to the dedicated staff at Freshfields. The raid on their premises was totally unnecessary and nothing was found. No apology was received for the treatment by the police.To all animal lovers, please try to help these caring animals, discarded by cruel members of society. Mary Morris, Burscough We would like to thank all those who wrote letters like these in support of the centre, and to anyone who has helped. The situation is still serious and we still need to raise money to keep going.

Bunny’s Dumped

Thursday November 6th 2008