Herts Hogline founder confirms organisation will remain open in 2024

The founder of a hedgehog rescue organisation said she cried with relief after it was saved at the 11th hour.

Lynne Garner told followers on social media the Herts Hogline would end next year, before, in her words: "It just went completely and utterly potty".

Ms Garner said the organisation would continue to operate in 2024 after donations flooded in to save it.

Supporters rallied to provide £2,000 after hearing the organisation faced closure forced by a lack of finances.

She added: "We are staying open, which I can't believe because it came so close".

The organisation, based in Bishop's Stortford, cares for sick and injured hedgehogs rescued in Hertfordshire and west Essex.

Ms Garner, a teacher, said there had been just £129.55 in its bank account on Thursday but that its average monthly spend was £135.

But shortly after the volunteer shared news of its imminent closure on Facebook, donations poured in.

"My jaw is still bruised from how hard my chin hit the floor in shock. I didn't think we could go from nothing to not having any worries for 2024," said Ms Garner.

"I have ordered so many things I need for the hedgehogs on Amazon that I am not sure where we can store it."

Ms Garner said the organisation's work had become harder to fund due to rising food and medication costs.

She revealed some supporters had set up monthly payments to protect the Hogline's future.

"There are a lot of small charities which go hand to mouth and I just can't believe how this has ended up," she added.

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