Hi, my name is Jenny and I’m raising money for regular donations that will help towards our food by osts for the birds in our. Sanctuary

No mum. No chance. Just one day old… and about to be put to sleep.

Buddy was just 1 day old when he was found alone and abandoned.

A local vet contacted Shimmer of Hope Exeter with an urgent question —

could they take him in… or he would be put to sleep.

There was no time to wait.

A volunteer stepped in and began round-the-clock care — hand feeding, warmth, constant attention.

Tiny. Fragile. Completely dependent.

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He wasn’t alone for long

Soon came others…

Sid (Sidmouth) and Barney (Barnstaple), who grew strong and were eventually released ️

But also so many more birds arriving every week:

   •   Two baby siblings rescued from a chimney after being trapped for over a week

   •   ️ A gull trapped in netting for 5 days, exhausted, starving and frightened

   •   A tiny bird abandoned on a roof after its parents were killed

   •   Injured gulls hurt by human activity

   •   Weak, starving birds needing weeks of care

   •   Disabled birds who would otherwise be euthanised, now living safely

These are the birds most people turn away from.

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Buddy’s story didn’t end in release

Buddy couldn’t be released.

He has a neurological condition affecting his legs, meaning he cannot survive in the wild.

But thanks to this rescue…

He now lives safely in a disabled aviary, surrounded by other birds.

And somehow… he still learned to fly

He’s happy, cared for, and full of personality — he even loves playing with toys.

Without this rescue, he wouldn’t have survived past his first day.

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Why we urgently need help

A long-term donor has had to stop supporting, leaving a huge gap.

Food alone now costs around £1,000 every single month

And the birds keep coming.

Without help, this means fewer birds can be saved

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How your donation helps

Every donation goes directly towards feeding and caring for rescued birds:

   •   £5 helps feed a bird

   •   £10 helps feed multiple birds

   •   £1,000 covers a full month of food

If you are able to make a larger donation, even contributing towards part of a month would make an incredible difference.

We are also very happy to:

   •   Publicly thank supporters or businesses

   •   Or keep donations anonymous

Regular updates will be shared so you can see exactly how your support is helping ️

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Other ways to help

Buy sprats (fish) and have them sent directly to the rescue (message for address)

Volunteer drivers needed to collect and transport injured gulls

Foster carers needed to help raise baby birds during the busy 2–3 month season

Sharing this page helps reach someone who can donate

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Final note

Shimmer of Hope Exeter is a small local wildlife rescue run on care, time and dedication — often by volunteers giving everything they can.

They take in the birds others can’t.

Right now, they just need help to keep going.

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Buddy is alive because someone stepped in.

Please help us keep doing that for others