Hedgehogs will be extinct by 2025 unless we do summat...
My name is Victoria, I'm 37 and I’ve written and self illustrated a children's book where I hope to not only inspire people with the exhilarating adventures of my characters but to also help animals as much as I can by raising awareness of their needs. I’ve always loved animals and ever since writing my first book in 2013 I’ve had amazing opportunities where I’ve been able to hold, touch and learn about different species. I try to pass my knowledge on to our fans through my books and my Facebook page.
Ever since childhood I wanted to write a book. Finally years later I achieved my dream. I focus on using my spare time to create stories that involve magic and adventure. A little creature that more and more people are falling in love with is helping raise awareness for real wildlife. I include humour in my books along with a little animal facts, so that my books not only have people giggling at the crazy antics my characters get up too but they are also being educated in a fun and exciting way.
I used to enjoy writing and drawing for my children but now they have grown up I enjoy doing it for others. My books are being loved by children as well as adults in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and an English teaching school in Kuwait.
At the moment hedgehogs are on the decline so I am trying to let people know how they can protect them in their gardens. Experts estimate that by 2025 hedgehogs will be extinct which is why something has to be done. Later on this year my fiance will be helping me build our very own hedgehog house ready for next winter when the hogs hibernate again. All it takes to help protect these animals is a small gap in the fences of gardens so they can wander freely searching for food.
From the sales of my books I donate all profits that I make to wildlife charities. My second book which came out last December has already enabled me to help a hedgehog rescue. I donated two copies of my books for the owners to auction. She raised just over £200 which enabled her to purchase a hedgehog X ray machine and important medication. A few weeks ago I handed over a cheque for £211 to Nuneaton and Warwickshire wildlife sanctuary from money raised at an event involving my characters
It is incredible how many people out there already help animals but my research suggests there are many more animals in need of support. Although sad, it is also nice and encouraging to know there are so many animal lovers out there as well, dedicating their lives for our wildlife.
My books are about a lovable new kind of creature called a Bush-hog who often gets mistaken for a hedgehog even though he looks nothing like one! He is smaller, has shiny metal spikes and unlike hedgehogs likes to sleep at night. With his friend Fluffy the cat he embarks on many adventures learning about new animals. So if you want to support animals come and say hello on Facebook or pick up one of my books.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
