I’m Alex…

For as long as I can remember, animals have been my sanctuary — a place where the noise quiets and the world makes sense. Living with autism and ADHD means that life can often feel like a whirlwind, but in the presence of wildlife, especially birds, I find peace. Their gentle rhythms and quiet resilience mirror something deep within me.

Over the past five years, I’ve volunteered across Sussex, pouring every spare hour into helping injured and orphaned animals. From tiny garden birds to curious hedgehogs and, during seagull season, a flurry of noisy, vulnerable chicks — I’ve seen the fragile beauty of nature up close. But really, I’ve been rescuing animals much longer than that. It’s never been just a hobby — it’s a part of who I am.

Alongside my full-time role with the NHS, I’ve made it my mission to support wildlife wherever I can. Some days are long, and some nights are even longer, but the reward of seeing a frightened bird regain its strength or a trembling fox cub take its first confident steps again is more than worth it. For past seasons I have kept the birds inside in my spare rooms and used make shift pens for them to be outside during the day to get flapping and flying practice.

Now, I’m working toward something very close to my heart: building a small aviary on the side of my house. A quiet, safe space for injured birds to recover — a halfway home between trauma and freedom. In seagull season, it will mostly host gulls, squawking and growing stronger day by day. At other times, it will welcome a variety of wildlife in need of care and calm.

with so many rescues closing down or unable to support or help due to lack of funding and other challenges being able to offer this space to the birds and wildlife that need it will be amazing.

My dream has always been to one day open my own rescue centre — not just for wildlife, but also as a safe, welcoming place for children with additional needs. I know firsthand how healing the presence of animals can be, and I would love nothing more than to share that magic with others. While I’m not in a position to make that dream a reality just yet, creating this small sanctuary at home feels like the closest and most meaningful first step towards that dream and that goal.

Fundraising hasn’t been easy, I know times are tough for everyone, every donation brings me closer and no matter how much or even if you just share my post that means the world. Each pound represents hope — not just for the animals that will stretch their wings and fly again, but for a future rooted in compassion, understanding, and shared healing.

This aviary is more than just a structure. It’s a symbol of everything I believe in: resilience, care, and the power of small spaces and actions to make a big difference.

thank you!!