Staffordshire hedgehog hero, 82, honoured with British Empire Medal for a quarter-century helping wildlife
A Staffordshire wildlife stalwart has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her decades of work in rescuing and caring for hedgehogs.
Joan Lockley received her medal in a ceremony at Birmingham Council House in recognition of her 25 years caring for hedgehogs at her home in Cheslyn Hay, during which she has always preached the same advice to anyone who may come across one of the creatures in the daytime: that it is in trouble.
This year alone she has taken in just under 800 hedgehogs, at her Staffordshire home and headquarters of the West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue, feeding and nursing them until they are fit to be released. News of her award came last December.
Joan, a sprightly 82, also hosts an open day every year, working tirelessly to put on a fundraiser where the community can enjoy live music, stalls, food, and games, and has raised thousands of pounds to help with her work.
Just this week, in the stormy weather on Friday (November 14), she took in two hedgehogs - and her telephone is always on for people who need help or advice if they see one.
