Our Life Saver - Vicky Jenkins

Animals would die without the help of people like Vicky Jenkins.  Meet one of our devoted transport volunteers.

• Tell us a bit about yourself

  I was born in High Wycombe and brought up in Embsay near Skipton. I have worked in a variety of different retail jobs for over 15 years but I'm not currently working at the moment. My hobbies are driving and crafting and attending church. I live in the centre of Settle and I love to get involved with all aspects of the Settle community. 

  
  

• How long have you been involved at the rescue? 

  I have been a volunteer at Yorkshire Dales Wildlife Rescue for a number of years. Currently being out of work means I can help transport lots of different wildlife. I am also a big believer in volunteering and think it looks good on my CV. 

  
  

• What do you get from being part of it?

  I absolutely love wildlife and driving so, for me, it is a great mix of the two. My role is on the transport side. I wouldn't normally be close to wildlife, so it is an absolute privilege to be close to so many amazing wild animals.  When an animal is in trouble, we always ask the finder to bring it to our hospital in Horton in Ribblesdale, and most do. However, sometimes that's just not possible, so then the team put a message out to the transport volunteers to see if anyone can collect from the finder and deliver to the Rescue. I'm very lucky to have had the pleasure of transporting a huge range of different animals, including swans, owls, hedgehogs, and lots of different types of birds. I think my favourite one so far has been the 'Appletreewick 5' as they were incredibly cute as you can see from the photos. It's such a pleasure to help save lives by getting them into the Rescue as quickly as possible.

  
  

• Why is wildlife important to you?

  Wildlife is very important to me. An animal really needs our help when it is injured and it wouldn't normally get help unless we as humans do something to help it. Each life we save is so important.

  
  

• What tips would you like to share with our supporters?

  I would say go and volunteer - you meet new people. When I go out to get animals it is usually a fun adventure and, as well as being close to wildlife, you get to go new places you haven't ever been too.