This weekend, a Rutland resident swam across Rutland Water for a local rescue centre.

Joanna Novak, a Rutland resident, enthusiastic swimmer and wildlife warrior, took the plunge at Rutland Water for Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue Centre.

Joanna returned to the UK after 25 years of living in America in May, and moved to Rutland having never lived in the area before.

Joanna and her partner attended the Prickleback Charity Quiz Night after finding the event by fluke on our What's On page, and she was inspired to do something for the locally run organisation.

Joanna said: "In Rutland, we have an amazing couple (Rachel and Jay) who have converted their own home to a hedgehog rescue and are saving so many as well as teaching us all what we can do in our gardens to help. They are true hedgehog heroes!

"Their passion has inspired me to swim across Rutland Water on Saturday 6 August, and I hope they will inspire you to support me to raise funds so that they can continue to rescue and educate."

A local hedgehog resuce is being supported by a Rutland residents, who plans to swim across Rutland Water. Image credit: Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue.

Joanna said: "I signed up for my first open water swim with Mary at Inspire2tri. Well, it took me ten minutes to get into my wetsuit, I came out of the changing room all ready to go, to much laughter - it turns out that I had my wetsuit on the wrong way round!"

Despite this blunder, Joanna smashed her swim this weekend, and raised over £700 for charity.

Joanna added: "I have to say it was definitely the hardest thing I have ever done - I knew I was not going to give up but there were points when I wondered how I was going to finish.

"I opted for no wetsuit and goodness I was numb with cold - and there was far too much water swallowed! But an amazing experience and raising £740 was great. I would like to say a big thanks to all my sponsors and my amazing husband who was there cheering me on and greeted me with a big fluffy towel. 

"Raising money for animal rescue is the list fulfilling part of my life and I'm just so happy to support Rachel and Jay."

Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue accept donatoins for food, towels, newspapers and more. Image credit: Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue.

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. 

They rely on donations to keep going, as well as the support of their enthusiastic supporters, who are always striving to find more interesting and challenging ways to fundraise for the local rescue.

Some of these wild and wacky challenges include a skydive, Snowdon climb and annual quiz night.

Now, Joanna has taken on a massive challenge too - and smashed her fundraising target of £700.

Joanna braved Rutland Water wetsuit free this weekend. Image credit: Joanna Novack.

Congratulations Joanna!

Let us know about your own upcoming fundraising plans by emailing [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you!