A Lowton volunteer who runs a rescue centre for hedgehogs has been named as one of the King and Queen’s Coronation Champions.
Irene Thompson, who runs Lowton Hedgehog Rescue, is one of just 500 outstanding volunteers from across the country to be given the honour from Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort as part of the official Coronation celebrations, in conjunction with Royal Voluntary Service.
Judges chose to award Irene for her work in rescuing and rehabilitating sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs. Over the last ten years, Irene has saved thousands of hedgehogs and returned them back to the wild. The species is in decline in this country and every individual hedgehog is very important.
Irene works 365 days a year and runs the rescue from her home and has a team of volunteers and foster carers to help with the huge task of saving as many as possible.
With the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, a passionate advocate of volunteering and President of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history. Across the UK, 500 Champions dazzled the judging panel with the impact of their work, their inspirational stories and unwavering commitment to volunteering.
Now Irene and all the other Coronation Champions have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert or a Coronation Garden Party. She has also received a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.
Irene said: “It’s an honour to be named a Coronation Champion. At Lowton Hedgehog Rescue, we all work hard to make a difference and protect hedgehogs, educate the public on how to provide support via their gardens, and go to schools and groups to give presentations on the work we do. it’s heart-warming to have these volunteering efforts recognised.”
About the Coronation Champions Awards
The Coronation Champions Awards invited people across the UK to nominate their local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile. Nominations were made across eight award categories; supporting older people; supporting young people and children; crisis and welfare; community; sports, culture, and heritage; health and care; sustainability and the environment; and animal welfare. Almost 5,000 entries were received, with nominations made for individuals aged 14 up to 103.
About Lowton Hedgehog Rescue
You can find out hore about the work of Lowton Hedgehog Rescue, including how to contact Irene if you find a hedgehog in need of help, on their Facebook page. You’ll also find lots of useful information on the page about how you can help and support hedgehogs – giving them a safe habitat in your garden and what food and water to make available.
A huge congratulations to Irene! A very well deserved honour.
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