Woman to be honoured for rescuing thousands of hedgehogs

A woman from Walsall is to be honoured with an award in the House of Lords for her work in rescuing thousands of hedgehogs.

Joan Lockley, who's 71, rescued her first hedgehog Spike 15 years ago and has been helping hedgehogs ever since.

Known locally as 'our village hero' for her tireless efforts to rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned hedgehogs across the Midlands, she set up West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue and has gone on to rescue more than 5,000 hedgehogs to date.

The majority of the hoglets are cared for in the purpose-built 'Hedgehog Hosprickal' in her back garden, but when this is full Joan will also nurse them in her house.

Joan said she burst into tears when she found out she would be recognised for her work Credit: IFAW

Philip Mansbridge, UK Director of IFAW, said:

Joan will receive her award at IFAW's prestigious Animal Action Awards event, hosted by Baroness Gale and presented by TV wildlife presenter Bill Oddie, at the House of Lords tomorrow.