A-Maizy-ing! Eight-year-old's sponsored walk gives funding boost to Brora wildlife rescue centre
A YOUNG Strath Brora girl has given a newly established wildlife rescue centre a funding boost after completing a five-mile sponsored walk in wintry conditions.
Maizy Roseveare (8), Old Point, has raised £655 in aid of Brora-based Highland Wildlife Rescue, which opened on January 1.
The organisation has evolved from the Highland Hedgehogs operation, which was set up by Adrian and Nicky Knight in Brora in 2020, and has since helped over 200 rescued hedgehogs back into the wild.
However Highland Hedgehogs was at a risk of closure due to family changes.
Highland Wildlife Rescue has a broader remit – to help all wildlife species – but its initial efforts have focussed on hedgehogs and bats, although an otter and roe deer have also benefited from the new service.
Maizy undertook the walk on Sunday, January 22, and insisted on completing it despite snow and ice on the day along with sub-zero temperatures.
She was accompanied by her mum and dad, Kirsty Neilson and Jory Roseveare, as well as friends and the family dog, Reed.
As a reward for reaching her destination – Brora coffee house Cocoa Skye – Maizy enjoyed a banana milkshake provided by Wendy Pearce.
She had hoped to raise £195, but far exceeded her target and was able to present the centre with £655.
Manager of Highland Wildlife Rescue is Jane Wilson, who also works with another Brora group, Blue Highlands Bird Rescue.
Jane said: “Having such amazing help from such a young supporter is a huge boost to our efforts.
“The contribution from Maizy, along with support from local schools and others, means we can now place an order for another six hedgehog recovery units.”
Jane added: “There is no fully operational wildlife rescue centre anywhere else in the Highlands, and animals needing prolonged care are usually taken to the SSPCA’s centre in the south, and not usually brought back to where they were found.
“One of our biggest priorities is to release rehabilitated wildlife in the area in which they were found.”
Jane has set her sights on expansion in years to come and hopes to link with other specialised centres for all wildlife in need across the region.
To follow the Highland Wildlife Rescue journey, find them on Facebook and Instagram. Donations in support of the centre’s work can be made at: www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/highland-wildlife-rescue
