Poulton youngster inspired by poorly little hedgehogs in garden to raise funds for rescue charity

When youngster Hannah Knock moved into her new home in Poulton with her mum and dad a year ago, they were delighted to find hedgehogs were regular visitors to their back garden.
By Richard Hunt
Published 21st Jun 2022, 17:47 BST
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There was a larger one, initially called Spike but later re-named Super Girl after it became clear she was a female, and a little one called Rainbow.

Hannah, now aged five, and her parents Richard and Kat Knock, created a feeding station for them and a special house where they could shelter but easily climb out of.

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They also set up a camera so they could watch them come and go at night.

Hannah Knock, aged five, with little Rainbow the hedgehogHannah Knock, aged five, with little Rainbow the hedgehog
Hannah Knock, aged five, with little Rainbow the hedgehog

But a month ago they realised Super Girl had a cough and didn’t seem well, and then little Rainbow was spotted hobbling and was obviously struggling.

Katherine managed to make contact with Hedgehog Blackpool Rescue, a registered charity on St Annes Road which takes in poorly animals, fixes them up where possible and returns them to the wild.

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The family managed to coax the hedgehogs into boxes and took them down to the centre.

Rainbow the hedgehogRainbow the hedgehog
Rainbow the hedgehog
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Hannah, a pupil at Carleton Green Primary School, was so impressed with the ‘hedgehog hospital’ she decided to help it and on Sunday July 3 she and two pals are taking part in a sponsored walk , from North Pier to South Pier and back, a distance of 3.2 miles.

Kat, 41, said: “When we moved in couldn’t believe we had hedgehogs visiting are garden, it was lovely.

"We know their habitat is under threat so we’ve tried to help them.

"When they were poorly I told Hannah about the charity and she wanted to help their funds.

The family's hedgehog houses and feeder stationsThe family's hedgehog houses and feeder stations
The family's hedgehog houses and feeder stations
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"She loves animals and is always trying to rescue trapped bees.”

At the rescue centre, it was found that not only did Super Girl have a nasty worm infection, but she was also pregnant and gave birth to a litter of babies at the centre, where she is still being looked after.

Rainbow’s leg wasn’t broken, fortunately, but he was badly underweight and soon gained 200 grams at the centre before he was released back in the family’s garden.

Hannah said: “I love Hedgehogs because they are cute and good for the garden and that’s why I’m doing the sponsored walk.”

To donate to the fund, visit: https://gofund.me/a512c5a2

Related topics:Poulton