Plea to save Bexhill and Hastings Wildlife Rescue

A centre which has rescued hundreds of animals faces closure without the help and support of community fundraising.
Chris Tucker, Hastings and Bexhill Wildlife Rescue. SUS-160216-100327001Chris Tucker, Hastings and Bexhill Wildlife Rescue. SUS-160216-100327001
Chris Tucker, Hastings and Bexhill Wildlife Rescue. SUS-160216-100327001

Chris Tucker, owner of Bexhill and Hastings Wildlife Rescue, is appealing for the support of residents and businesses to secure much-needed funds and prevent the charity’s closure.

For six years Chris and his small team of volunteers have been rescuing injured and orphaned animals and birds from Bexhill, Hastings and the surrounding areas, with more than 400 animals rescued by the charity last year alone.

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“We are well-know locally and attend rescues on behalf of the fire brigade, police, council, local businesses and of course members of the public,” said Chris.

The centre, which is due to be relocated in the next couple of months, is funded entirely by Chris’s own income as a Conquest Hospital employee and part-time gardener.

Funds are needed to help build the 10 aviaries and other shelters for the animals.

“I believe every life is sacred,” said Chris “and for hundreds of animals we are their only lifeline.”

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Chris is hoping to raise more than £10,000 to pay for the materials and labour required to build animal shelters.

He is also appealing for skilled workers to give their time and expertise to get the new shelters up and running.

Without donations the outlook is bleak.

“We want so much to be able to continue to offer this service to the wildlife and people of Bexhill and Hastings, but if we don’t raise the money we need by the time we relocate, the rescue would have to close.”

Closure of Bexhill and Hastings Wildlife Rescue would have an impact not only on the centre’s current residents but would also affect charities the rescue service currently collaborates with.

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“We take in wildlife that other charities in the area cannot house or cater for and work alongside Barby Keel, Mallydam’s and the RSPCA. If we don’t raise the money we need, then the rescue simply cannot and will not continue.”

The team is hopeful enough money will be raised to keep the charity afloat and maintain current animal welfare standards.

To donate to Bexhill and Hastings Wildlife Rescue, contact the team on 01424 225647, or log on to www.facebook.com/Bexhill.And.Hastings.Wildlife.Rescue and donate directly via Paypal.

Cheques can be made payable to Bexhill and Wildlife Rescue and sent to the charity’s current address at 23 Chantry Avenue, Bexhill, TN40 2EA.

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Alternatively, anyone who can offer help as a handy person, builder or carpenter, can contact Chris on the telephone number above.

The rescue centre is also asking businesses and members of the public to help collect donations and raise awareness of the campaign. To arrange to take a collection tin, use the contact details above.

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