Local animal rescuer Trevor Weeks has been awarded a prestigious Animal Rescue Award by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the House of Lords yesterday.
Trevor was praised for his 25 years dedicating most of his life to helping sick, injured and orphaned wildlife across the UK.
Written jointly by the International Fund For Animal Welfare and East Sussex WRAS.
A dedicated East Sussex animal hero who has helped rescue an estimated 15,000 wildlife casualties is to receive a special award in recognition of more than 25 years of tireless work from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (www.ifaw.org) at the House of Lords.
Trevor is recoverying after being bitten by an Adder during a rescue in Lewes on Saturday. A combination of Trevor's blood pressure problems and the venomous bite causes Trevor to collapse in an almost fatal but rare reaction.
At Lewes Minor Injury Unit Trevor had his bite assessed but then collapsed as his blood pressure dropped and pain increased. Paramedics worked on him for 15 minutes before rushing him by ambulance to Brighton Accident and Emergency Department. At one point Trevor's girlfriend was warned Trevor may not survive. Anti-venom was administered along with other drugs.
An animal lover is having to sleep with the casualties tonight to ensure they get fed, watered and medicated due to the snow and ice. Founder of East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) Trevor Weeks, 37 from Uckfield, will be kipping with the wildlife at WRAS's Casualty Care Centre for at least tonight whilst the snow and ice is making it difficult for volunteers to get to the centre.
In the Autumn of 1985 Trevor Weeks joined Eastbourne Conservation volunteers and it was whilst undertaking a beach cleaning exercise near Cow Gap, Eastbourne Trevor came across his first wildlife casualty. They were two oiled guillemots, after climbing over rocks and getting splashed by waves the two birds were rescued and taken to Meta Mann who ran a small bird hospital from her home in Seaford.
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service’s (WRAS) sponsored slim ended this week with Trevor Weeks losing 13.8lbs now weighing 211.6lbs and Bill Pike losing an amazing 37lbs now weighing 233lbs.
"This has been one of the hardest challenges things I have had to do, never mind rescuing whales, swimming after swans and rugby tackling deer, they’re easy, but losing weight thats been hard," said Trevor Week founder of WRAS.
Volunteer rescuers Bill Pike and Trevor Weeks are trying to raise pounds by losing pounds in weight for wildlife. From 1 May to 1 August 2008, they will both be trying to lose as much weight as possible. Bill’s first weigh-in was 19st 3 and Trevor was 16st 1.
Trevor is looking at organising a sponsored pull in aid of the charity and is looking for people to help raise funds and take part. "I’ve been undertaking rescue work for over 22 years now and it is always tight at this time of year." said Trevor. Anyone interested or willing to help raise funds should contact Trevor via email on trevor@iar.org.uk or by calling 07815 078 234.
