A hedgehog is recovering with wildlife carers near Burnham-On-Sea after accidentally being trodden on in the dark, leaving its spines impaled in the sole of an unsuspecting walker’s shoe.
Local electrician Richard Morgan walked out of his garden to go for a birthday drink when he felt a crunch underneath his foot.
He went back indoors and discovered several of the hedgehog’s spines had become impaled in the bottom of his sandal, as pictured here.
He said: “It was pitch black but I knew instantly it was a hedgehog. I have seen them in the garden many times.”
Fortunately, the spines did not pierce through the sole of Richard’s sandal.
After changing his shoes, he went back outside with a torch, scooped up the stunned hedgehog and placed him in a shoe box.
The animal, which has been nick-named Charlie, was taken to Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre in East Huntspill where he is now making a full recovery.
“It was around 10pm when I reached Secret World but there was still someone there to take care of Charlie – they are so great,” added Richard.
Charlie is one of many hedgehogs being helped by carers at the wildlife rescue charity.
Meanwhile, the staff and volunteers are hoping that a big crowd will also put their best feet forward and buy tickets for the annual Secret World charity ball, which will be held at the Webbington Hotel on Saturday, November 2nd.
The three-course dinner event will include singer David Ford with his American Legends Show, a silent and main auction, as well as a casino and disco. Doors open at 6.30pm until late.
Secret World Founder Pauline Kidner said: “It will be a fun weekend because the ball is being followed by Burnham’s spectacular seafront firework display on the Sunday and the town’s carnival on the Monday.”
Tickets cost £38 and are available from debbie@secretworld.org
