'Another worrying year': Shropshire wildlife rescue centre desperate for support
A beloved animal hospital in Shropshire is appealing for donations to ensure it can survive what bosses say will be "another worrying year".
Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Much Wenlock saw an increase of nearly 1,000 animals being admitted for treatment in 2020 compared to 2019, despite having considerably less staff due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Having begun the year in another national lockdown, staff and volunteers are desperately trying to find ways to raise money while their usual fundraising initiatives cannot take place.
The charity, which is the county's only 24/7 wildlife rescue centre, needs to raise at least £260,000 per year to remain sustainable.
It is completely dependent on donations from the public and businesses and usually hosts an array of fundraising events throughout the year, as well as run two charity shops.
Fran Hill, manager, said: "We all know we've got another tough year ahead of us.
"Last year was tough in itself, but continuing lockdown means it could be another worrying year.
"We have to clear at least £260,000 a year to run this hospital, so that's a lot of money to be hoping to get while we're not able to do any fundraising – it's going to be a tricky one."
In 2020, the hospital treated 5,740 animals, compared to 4,805 in 2019.
Fran added: "I've gone through it month by month and you can really tell that throughout lockdown, where people were out walking more, clearly more animals were being found that wouldn't have been otherwise – so on the positive side I feel more animals were saved.
"But it was a tough summer. We had to have less people in the building and sadly it looks like we're going to be faced with that again.
"We have a fabulous fundraiser who is trying tirelessly hard to find different ways of raising money but it's such a substantial amount, all we can do is try.
"Perhaps last year's figures show we are needed in Shropshire to help all of our wildlife so I would appeal to people that if they like the work we do and want us to continue, any donations are very much appreciated.
"It really is going to be a tough year but with the help of all of our supporters we hope to be there at the end of it."
Cuan has a wishlist of animal food and other items needed, as well as links for financial donations, on its website at cuanwildliferescue.org.uk
