Staffordshire hedgehog hero awarded prestigious British Empire Medal for her decades of wildlife work
A South Staffordshire wildlife hero has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her decades of work in rescuing and caring for hedgehogs.
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Joan Lockley was born in Wednesfield and always loved animals. Founding the West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue 24 years ago at her home in Cheslyn Hay, Joan has personally funded a purpose-built hedgehog care home in her back garden and has rescued and cared for thousands of injured and orphaned hedgehogs over the years.
This year she has taken in just under 800 hedgehogs and last year she took in 884 - she looks after them before releasing them back into the wild to thrive, if they can.
The 81-year-old has been awarded the prestigious medal in the King's New Year Honours for 'demonstrating inspirational leadership and dedication' to rescuing and rehabilitating hedgehogs since the first day she rescued one in 2000.
Not only that, but Joan hosts an open day every year, working tirelessly to put on a fundraiser where the community can enjoy live music, stalls, food, and games. She raised over £4000 this year.
