A local hedgehog rescue have been overwhelmed with support after they put a fundraising appeal out on Facebook yesterday.

Less than 24 hours since they put an appeal out on social media on Monday 19 June, the team have raised well over their £1,000 target, which will go towards the installation of an air conditioning system to help keep their prickly residents cool during the hot summer months.

Rachel and Jay have been running Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue from their home since July 2021, and have cared for nearly 200 hedgehogs in that time.

The project started when the couple discovered that there were no hedgehog rescues in the county of Rutland committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of this unique animal which is now classed as 'vulnerable to extinction' (2019). They wanted to change this.

Now they work with local residents, volunteers and veterinary surgeries to help support Rutland's hedgehog community.

Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue support local hedgehogs in and around Rutland. Image credit: Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue.

They are not a charity, so they rely on donations of goods and money to keep going, as well as hosting an annual fundraising quiz and other well-supported local events.

They are reluctant to ask for more financial help, particularly with the cost of living crisis ongoing, but the hot weather left them with no choice.

The duo shared on their social media: "We have thought long and hard about asking for your help yet again but we really need to.

"Let me explain - as you may know we have 2 rooms, the main 'hog-spital' room in the house and the shed used for the final stages of rehabilitation.

"Last weekend, with the sudden rise in temperatures we found ourselves having to move the shed hedgehogs back into the main room including risking moving the nursing mother and hoglets. To be honest it was terrifying as we could not control the temperature in the fully insulated shed and we were risked heat stroke for the animals in our care. It genuinely risked the health of the hedgehogs in our care especially the vulnerable less than 1 week old hoglets with their sow. The hospital room also became almost dangerously hot and we have had to run fans including purchasing an air cooler in there too.

"We cannot continue like this."

Hedgehogs are at risk of extinction. Image credit: Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue.

They continued: "Extreme temperatures are becoming almost predictable and we will have to reduce our capacity for hedgehogs even further of we need to put the shed 'out of action' like that at short notice.

"We cannot move backwards, so have taken the decision to install air conditioning into both rooms. This is booked for mid-July.

"The wellbeing of the hedgehogs in our care is paramount.

"We have been blessed to find a company in Nottingham that are willing to install two units for the price of one which is incredibly generous.

"The total cost is £1,500. We really need to raise £1,000 - Jay and I will fund the remaining £500 ourselves.

"Although expensive this is essential and an investment for the sustainable future of the rescue. With this in place we will be able to use both rooms all year round.

"We appreciate this is a long explanation but we never ask unless it is truly needed.

"Thank you for taking the time to read this."

The Prickleback team accept donation on their Amazon Wishlist. Image credit: Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue.

Thanks to the generosity of Rutland residents, their gofundme appeal has already raised £1,415 of the £1,00 target.

You can donate here.

Alternatively, follow the team on Facebook for regular hog updates and more.