News

8 June 2004

Running for their lives

Edinburgh man launches marathon sponsorship appeal to raise funds for Uists Hedgehog Rescue

Edinburgh man, Pavel Stroev, will be undertaking the gruelling 26-mile Edinburgh Marathon this Sunday, June 13, in a bid to raise the much-needed funds for the Uist Hedgehog Rescue appeal.

Uist Hedgehog Rescue (UHR), the coalition of animal protection and wildlife rescue organisation, has jus completed its second mission to rescue and relocate hedgehogs from the Uists and Benbecula to the mainland. Thanks to UHR, and the efforts of UHR supporters like Pavel, to date, almost 350 healthy hedgehogs have been saved from death.

These rescue missions have been made necessary because of a decision by the Uist Wader Project to kill all of the hedgehogs on these Scottish Islands. The Uist Wader Project comprises Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Scottish Executive and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland.

Pacvel said: "I want to do all that I can to help save these hedgehogs from a pointless death. I am hoping that as many people as possible will generously sponsor me so that funds can be raised to allow Uist Hedgehog Rescue to continue to save as many hedgehogs as possible. I am, quite literally, running for these animals’ lives".

Fay Vass, spokesperson for the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and UHR said: " It is wonderful that Pavel, and so many other members of the public, are coming to the aid of the Uist Hedgehogs in their hour of need. We hope that we well as raising vital funds for our rescue missions, Pavel will also help to raise awareness of the plight of the hedgehogs on the Uists and Benbecula".

Notes to Editors
People can sponsor Pavel either by visiting the website: www.justgiving.com/hedgehogs, by calling the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to make a donation on 01584 890 801 or be sending a cheque made payable to Pavel Stroev to Hedgehog House, Dhustone, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 3PL.

Uist Hedgehog Rescue is a consortium of organisations and experts consisting of Advocates for Animals, British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust and International Animal Rescue.

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