A DALTON woman who set up a hedgehog hospital following the death of her husband has told how it "saved her life".

Irene Cannon, 73, of Beckside Road, Dalton, set up Furness Hedgehog Rescue 12 years ago after the death of her husband.

Over that time she has single-handedly cared for hundreds of hedgehogs, saying that this charitable act "really saved my life."

Because of her tireless work she has been nominated for environmental volunteer of the year in the Heart of Ulverston Awards.

Mrs Cannon is well known throughout the region for her tireless work to raise awareness for hedgehogs.

Speaking about her nomination Mrs Cannon said: "I'm really quite surprised. It's very nice to be nominated."

Does someone you know deserve recognition for their work in the community? Click here to nominate them for a Heart of Ulverston Award , it only takes five minutes to fill out the online application form.

An animal lover since she can remember, Mrs Cannon has long had a collection of animals living with her, from dogs and cats, to rabbits and hedgehogs.

Her involvement with hedgehog rescue began when she found one of the creatures lying in her garden, dehydrated and in distress.

After nursing it back to health, her neighbours began bringing her hedgehogs in similar states.

She said: "One year I had four or five people bring me them. I went away on a wildlife course specially for hedgehogs."

Since then the organisation that she runs on her own has gone from strength to strength.

She receives hedgehogs from Ulverston, Millom, Askam and even as far away as Kendal.

This year alone she has taken in more than 50 hedgehogs, using her house and garden as the hospital.

As Mrs Cannon has become older she has seen the number of animals she cares for increase, and subsequently her workload.

She said: "It's tough, the fact that I do it on my own and that I'm self funded. I'm 73 now and no spring chicken.

"I've started to have no time for anything else, but the hedgehogs come first."

Mrs Cannon also works to raise awareness on how to look out for hedgehogs in distress.

"Hedgehogs shouldn't be out in the day. If they are, call me straight away.

"If they are not rescued, it doesn't bear thinking about," said Mrs Cannon.

Mrs Cannon is hoping that her work will get young people interested in conservation, and help reverse the decline in population.

She said: "What you need is young people getting involved."

Mrs Cannon is planning to take on some help in the autumn to help ease her workload, but it will not reduce the passion she has for caring for these animals.

She said: "When I lost my husband my world fell apart.

"Having the hedgehogs to care for, having someone to rely on you, it gives you something to get up for in the morning."

If you are interested in helping Mrs Cannon and Furness Hedgehog Rescue, click here .

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