East Sussex wildlife charity launches Christmas appeal to ease the pain of injured animals

An East Sussex wildlife charity which helped almost 7,000 injured, sick and orphaned wild animals last year is appealing for public support this Christmas to help provide vital pain relief and medicines.

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) has launched its “Help Ease Their Pain This Christmas” appeal to raise funds for the essential medication needed to treat wildlife brought into its veterinary-equipped Casualty Centre at Whitesmith, near Hailsham.

The charity's rescuers regularly attend emergencies involving injured foxes, badgers, hedgehogs, owls, pigeons, swans and many other species.

But while the rescue itself can be dramatic, the treatment that follows is often just as important.

A fox trapped in garden netting may need pain relief and treatment for wounds. A badger struck by a vehicle could require medication and intensive veterinary care, while a small garden bird attacked by a cat may need antibiotics, pain relief and specialist treatment.

In the 12 months to September 2026, WRAS spent more than £12,000 on veterinary medicines.

Trevor Weeks MBE, Founder of East Sussex WRAS, explained:

"People often see the rescues we carry out, but they don't always see the days or weeks of veterinary treatment and care which follow.

"An injured animal cannot tell us when it's in pain. Providing the right medication is one of the most important things we can do to ease its suffering.

"Our Christmas Appeal is about those animals arriving at our Casualty Centre frightened, injured and in need of help. We want to make sure we can continue providing the treatment they need."

WRAS dealt with just under 7,000 wildlife casualties during 2025, with its ambulance crews, veterinary professionals, animal care staff and volunteers working throughout the year to help wildlife across East Sussex.

The charity hopes local people will support the campaign, with donations of £5 helping towards pain relief for an injured badger and £33 helping towards a day's medicines for the wildlife in its care, £66 for a weekend's medicines or even £230 for an entire week's worth.

Local businesses, schools and community groups are also being encouraged to get involved through fundraising.

Trevor added:

"Wildlife doesn't stop getting injured just because it's Christmas. Every day our team sees the difference that the right medication can make, and every donation helps us continue that work.

"Rescuing them is only the beginning. This Christmas, please help us ease their pain."

To support the appeal or find out more, visit: https://wildlifeambulance.org/helpeasetheirpainthischristmas/

East Sussex WRAS is a registered charity, number 1108880.