The Hoggery, a dedicated hedgehog rescue organisation based in Westhoughton, has suffered a devastating blow after scammers drained nearly £2,000 from its bank account—funds critical for the care of vulnerable animals.
Jayne Schofield, founder of The Hoggery, shared the distressing news in an emotional video, revealing that fraudsters stole £1,978, which represented almost all the money the charity had painstakingly raised through donations.
“I've spent the last two weeks constantly trying to find ways of getting the money back,” Schofield explained, clearly shaken by the ordeal. She described multiple unsuccessful attempts to recover the funds from her bank, despite the merchant involved cancelling the transaction. “The scammers haven't got what they wanted, but the money is still not back in my account,” she added.
The stolen money was essential for purchasing food, medicines, and supplies for the hedgehogs in the charity's care. The Hoggery is well-known locally for its tireless efforts to rescue and rehabilitate injured and vulnerable hedgehogs, particularly during busy periods like spring, when hedgehogs require extra care and attention.
"That money is donations—it's money we've worked really hard to raise," Jayne emphasised. "It's for the hedgehogs."
With critical supplies running low, Jayne took to social media for help, prompting an immediate and heartwarming response from supporters and fellow rescues. She set up an emergency fundraising page, quickly raising around £700 in additional donations from a compassionate community determined to help.
