Hedgehog sanctuary wins charity status

From the archive, first published Wednesday 18th Apr 2007.

A hedgehog sanctuary that cares for sick and injured animals has achieved charitable status.

And with an annual intake of over 100 hedgehogs, the status couldn't have come at a better time for the Crystal Hedgehog Sanctuary, in Prospect Mount, Keighley.

Set up by Marianne Crowley in 2005, the sanctuary is thought to be the only one in West Yorkshire, which is something the Charity Commission took into consideration.

The sanctuary currently has 30 hedgehogs staying under its roof. Marianne said: "I have gone from having 12 hedgehogs in the first year I started to having 166 last year and I believe this year is going to be busier.

"It's all about putting the hedgehogs back in the wild and giving them a second chance. Some of them come in with horrendous injuries and it takes six months to get them better.

Last year running costs for the sanctuary were around £3,500 and with a busy hedgehog season expected Marianne is looking for local businesses to support her venture.

She said a tin of powdered milk alone for the young hedgehog babies was £35.

For more information about the sanctuary or to give support to the charity contact Marianne on (01535) 674672 or email her on mlcrowley@blueyonder.co.uk.