An ANIMAL lover has raised over £10,000 for a ‘magical little place that does so much for our wildlife’.

Abi Rogerson who, along with her husband Robert, normally organises the annual sponsored race for Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre felt compelled to do something after the coronavirus pandemic shut down the fundraiser.

The volunteer set up a JustGiving page with the hope of encouraging individuals to run, walk and cycle for Hessilhead.

She said: “It’s been pretty remarkable, and overwhelming in a way. I’m humbled by the response we’ve had.”

Because the centre rescues animals from all over Scotland, Abi decided to set the target for the fundraiser at £11,185 – a pound for every miles of Scottish coastline.

The funds are to help towards Hessilhead’s running costs of over £100,000 a year to care for over 3,000 patients annually. After only two weeks, there have been donations of £10,266.

The fundraiser has been a team effort, with animal carer Tabatha uploading photos and videos of some of Hessilhead’s inhabitants daily, with co-founder Gaynor, worker Irene and Abi’s husband Robert all doing their bit.

Abi said: “They do a phenomenal job. Rescuing, treating, rehabilitating and releasing.”

Abi first discovered Hessilhead when she came across a vulnerable young hedgehog in her garden in 2013.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The hedgehog that introduced Abi to HessilheadThe hedgehog that introduced Abi to Hessilhead

She said: “Hessilhead offers hope. We’re a nation of animal lovers. But when we discover a poor wee soul of the wildlife variety, everybody panics a little and within minutes, we’ve become attached and want the best for it.

“When somebody turns up to rescue the wee soul, a Hessilhead courier or Hessilhead themselves, there is a huge sense of relief and that of hope, that the wee soul will survive because of the wonders, skill, expertise and magic that Hessilhead offer.

“It’s a pretty incredible and magical place.”

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Tabatha holding one of the rescue centre's many friends.Tabatha holding one of the rescue centre's many friends.

Almost a hundred comments of support on the fundraising page demonstrate how much Hessilhead means to people.

Joan Corrance said: “A life line not only to our wildlife but also the thousands of people who are so grateful you are there to help.”

Click here to donate.