Couple Runs Inspiring Hedgehog Rescue Haven

Quick Smiles:

• A couple in Burntisland, Fife turned their house into a fully equipped hedgehog hospital.
• Over 560 hedgehogs have been nursed back to health, with a dedicated team and special ‘Hogbulances’.
• Their efforts have earned community recognition and numerous hedgehogs released back into the wild.

Sharon and Andy Longhurst found their calling after helping two sick hedgehogs, which inspired them to open Burntisland Hedgehog Haven. Thanks to their compassion, their garage now features an intensive care unit and their garden hosts a maternity ward for hedgehogs in need.

They work alongside 18 helpful volunteers who clean, feed, and drive the rescue’s “Hogbulances.”

The couple manages rescue operations while balancing their own jobs, raising funds through local initiatives to cover costs and veterinary care.

“If there’s a hedgehog out there that needs help and it’s in pain, I can’t say no,”

Sharon told BBC News.

Recently honored with a Highly Commended award at the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards, Sharon and Andy publicly thanked their volunteers and supporters on Facebook.

Of the 567 hedgehogs treated, 65% have been released, helping support the species at a time when European hedgehogs face major threats.

“We’ll do this until we’re unable to,”

Andy said. “They’re adorable — really lovely animals.”

Stories like this remind us of the difference compassion and teamwork can make for vulnerable animals—and inspire us all to lend a hand in our own ways.

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