A CHARITY which helps to rehabilitate and release hedgehogs has received a £1,000 donation as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.

Hedgehog Help Prestatyn, which takes in sick, underweight, injured and orphaned hedgehogs, was one of six Welsh charities to receive such a donation on September 20.

The other five were as follows:

  • Hedgehog Help Prestatyn (based in Prestatyn)
  • Lluest Horse and Pony Trust (based in Llandeilo)
  • Swansea MAD (based in Swansea)
  • Menstrual Health Project (based in Wrexham)
  • Welsh Housing Aid (based in Swansea)
  • Tenovus Cancer Care (based in Cardiff)

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Tracy Pierce, who set up Hedgehog Help Prestatyn in her back garden eight years ago, said: “What an amazing surprise to be chosen to receive £1,000 for Hedgehog Help Prestatyn!

“Thanks so much to those who nominated us; simply fantastic.

“My farming and nursing background led people to bring sick hedgehogs to me, though caring for them in those early days was far from easy.

“I registered as a carer with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, and also attended a basic hedgehog care course at the Vale Wildlife Hospital.

“This laid the foundations for the rescue and care of hundreds of sick, injured, orphaned hedgehogs over the years.

“I couldn't do this, of course, without the amazing help of volunteers, fundraisers, crafters, vet support, donations, to name but a few.

“Very sadly, our iconic hedgehogs are on the ‘red list’ for possible extinction, and we are seeing first-hand how their health is declining.

“A big part of my work is education, doing talks to whoever will listen to me. This is so important in highlighting what we can all do to help the hedgehogs, and wildlife in general. We must remember we are part of nature!

“The funding will buy a new incubator and heat mats, which need replacing after many years’ service.”

Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with the 150 recipients of £1,000 revealed on Wednesday.

The winning charities were picked at random from those nominated, following 150 previous winners being selected in June.

Further donations will be awarded throughout the year.

Since the awards began, nearly two million people have nominated and made a difference to communities all across the UK and Ireland, with more than £5m given to more than 2,500 charities.