Foundation helps fund British Wildlife Hospital
We would like to say a big Thank you to everyone who visited the Spirit of Scotland Exhibition in Pollyanna’s gallery in November 2022. Between the sales of prize draw tickets, donations and a percentage of sales from the event the Foundation has been able to donate £5,000.00 to help The Wildlife Aid Foundation to construct a new hospital.
Wildlife Aid are an animal charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of British wildlife. They are passionate about protecting the future for our native species. For over 40 years, Wildlife Aid has been one of the UK’s busiest wildlife rescue centres, responding to over 20,000 wildlife emergencies each year. They rely on a small army of over 300 volunteers and run popular outreach and education programmes that help people take actions to make the world a better place for us and our animal neighbours in the natural world.
The charity was founded by Simon Cowell, the much-loved face of the popular TV series ‘Wildlife SOS’. Over 40 years ago, Simon turned his back on a lucrative City career and founded the Wildlife Aid Foundation. His passion for conservation, and his adventures on ‘Wildlife SOS’ secured him a place in the nation’s heart and an MBE for services to wildlife.
Simon is pictured above left with Pollyanna, working together on a project to release orphaned badger cubs back into the wild.
Very sadly last year Simon was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer that is terminal. The shocking and saddening news of Simon’s diagnosis has plunged the charity he created into crisis. At present, WAF is run from his home in Surrey, where its busy wildlife hospital and rehabilitation centre is located. However when Simon is gone, the clock starts ticking and the charity must relocate.
To future-proof WAF and its invaluable work, Simon began planning a legacy project several years ago. Thanks to a large gift, the charity was able to buy land earmarked for a new headquarters and a large re-wilding project, just half a mile away from its present location. In 2017, it was granted planning permission to build the new wildlife hospital. The charity has already spent over £1m developing a wetlands habitat and wildlife corridor. However £4m is needed to commence the build of the hospital and rehabilitation centre.
We are pleased to have been able to contribute towards this massive undertaking to help realise Simon’s last wish that his legacy for the British wildlife he has devoted his life will continue. The new hospital will protect the lives of generations of wildlife to come.