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About Us – Wilfred & Friends

Wilfred & Friends is a small, volunteer-run animal and wildlife rescue with a mighty heart and a clear mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and release vulnerable wildlife and animals back into their natural environments. Our journey began with a simple act of compassion and has grown into a community-driven lifeline for animals in need across our region.

How We Got Our Name
Our name, Wilfred & Friends, is a tribute to our beautiful boy Wilfred—a lamb who changed everything for us. Wilfred was rescued by our founder, Emma, while she was on a lambing placement. Unlike the other lambs, Wilfred needed extra support with feeding and care. Emma quickly grew attached to him, recognising his gentle spirit and unique needs. She knew she had to bring him home to give him the best chance at life and to spare him from entering the industry.

Despite Emma’s tireless efforts and boundless love, Wilfred’s time with us was heartbreakingly short. His health had already been compromised by the conditions he endured as a lamb, and he passed away soon after being rescued. Wilfred’s story left a lasting mark on Emma’s heart. His resilience and innocence inspired her to do everything in her power to rescue animals and fight against cruelty. In his memory, Wilfred & Friends was born—to honour his legacy and to ensure that every animal in need gets the chance Wilfred deserved.

Percy and Buttons – Wilfred’s Friends
Wilfred’s story was just the beginning. During her placement, Emma also rescued two other lambs who needed extra care: Percy and Buttons.

Percy was found alone and weak in a field, having been abandoned by his mother. Emma stepped in to hand rear him, giving him the love and support he needed to survive. She continued to care for Percy until her placement ended, then brought him home to ensure his safety and wellbeing. Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, Percy passed away from a seizure with team members by his side—loved and comforted until the end.

Buttons’ rescue was equally poignant. Suffering from wry neck, Buttons was deemed “unfit” by the farmer, who intended to euthanise her as she couldn’t be bred from. Emma refused to let this happen. The farmer handed Buttons over to Emma, who brought her home and gave her the chance at life she deserved. Today, Buttons resides at a full-time rescue, where she’s not only thriving but has also become a mother to her own daughter, Bliss.

Who We Are
We are a dedicated group of animal lovers, united not by profit but by passion. Wilfred & Friends is entirely volunteer-based—none of us take a wage, and every ounce of our energy is poured into the welfare of the animals that depend on us. Our operation is humble, run from our own home, but our reach and commitment are boundless.

Our Mission in Action
Our core aim is to respond to every call for help, no matter how big or small. Whether it’s a tiny fledgling that’s fallen from its nest, a hedgehog caught in a garden net, a fox cub injured on the roadside, or a dog abandoned and frightened, we do everything in our power to attend every rescue request. Each animal is treated as an individual, with its own story and needs.

We believe in a hands-on, personal approach. Our volunteers are ready at a moment’s notice, often working long into the night to ensure no animal is left behind. We coordinate rescues, provide emergency transport, and offer immediate triage, working closely with local vets and wildlife specialists when needed.

How We Care
We do not have a central facility—yet. Instead, we operate through a wonderful network of fosterers who open their homes and hearts to wildlife and small animals in need. These fosterers are the backbone of Wilfred & Friends. They provide safe, nurturing environments for animals to recover, whether that’s a warm box for a shivering baby bird, a quiet room for an injured fox, or a loving space for a dog to regain trust in people.

Fosterers are supported every step of the way. We provide food, bedding, veterinary care, and guidance, ensuring each animal receives the very best chance of recovery. Our foster network allows us to offer tailored care to a wide variety of species, from birds and hedgehogs to badgers, foxes, and domestic pets.

Collaboration and Community
We know that animal rescue is not something you do alone. Wilfred & Friends works hand-in-hand with other local rescues, wildlife hospitals, and animal welfare organisations. This collaboration ensures that every animal receives the right care, in the right place, at the right time. By sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise, we can tackle even the most complex cases and give every animal the best possible outcome.

Sustaining Our Work
Wilfred & Friends receives no government or official funding. Every rescue, every meal, every veterinary bill is paid for through the generosity of our supporters. We rely entirely on donations, fundraising events, and the incredible kindness of our community. Our supporters are the lifeblood of our rescue—without them, none of our work would be possible.

Every pound raised goes directly to the animals: buying food and medical supplies, paying for veterinary treatment, and supporting our fosterers. We are deeply grateful for every donation, every shared post, every word of encouragement. Your support quite literally saves lives.

Our Vision for the Future
While we are proud of what we have achieved with limited resources, our dream is to secure our very own sanctuary—a safe haven where we can provide even better care for more animals in need. This sanctuary would feature purpose-built enclosures, quiet recovery spaces, and the facilities needed to support a wider range of species.

A key part of our vision is to have a veterinary professional on site, so that animals can receive immediate, expert care and ongoing treatment without delay. With a sanctuary, we could respond to emergencies faster, offer specialised rehabilitation, and increase the number of animals we help each year. This would also give us the opportunity to educate the public, welcome volunteers, and create a hub for animal welfare in our community.

Our Promise
At Wilfred & Friends, we are committed to transparency, compassion, and the highest standards of animal welfare. We never cut corners or compromise on care. Every decision we make is guided by what is best for the animals—whether that means a return to the wild, finding a loving forever home, or providing lifelong sanctuary for those who cannot be released.

Join Us
We invite you to join us on our mission—whether as a supporter, volunteer, fosterer, or advocate for animals. With your help, we can continue to grow, improve, and bring our sanctuary dream to life. Together, we can make a difference, one rescue at a time.

Thank you for believing in Wilfred & Friends and for giving vulnerable animals the second chance they deserve.

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