Lockdown walks inspire Cheshire accountant to get running for swans

A self-employed accountant from Northwich is getting set to take on the Tatton Park 10k this Saturday (9 October).

Lisa Nicholls, from Blakemere Drive in Kingsmead, has so far raised more than £300 in sponsorship to help Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre rescue and rehabilitate swans in her local area. She became interested in the birds while out walking during the first Covid-19 lockdown. 

She said: “On my daily lockdown walks I found a swan sitting on her nest. I’d worked out when the eggs were likely to hatch and I was so lucky to see the three little cygnets shortly after they’d been born. I continued to watch the family throughout the summer and got to know their personalities; they really kept me going during lockdown, providing a bit of normality when I didn’t have much work on and the world seemed a very different place. 

“I was devastated when the cygnets all died from suspected botulism, but knowing them sparked an interest in swans. It was through following the family that I got to know a wider group of people in the local area who were also interested in them. I learned more about the history of another of our local swans, including one called Mabel, who had spent time being treated at Stapeley Grange a few years ago after being shot and attacked by a dog.

Lisa added: “The more we follow the swans, the more aware we become of the hazards that they face, with far too many requiring treatment for injuries caused by discarded fishing line and hooks as well as more natural hazards. Stapeley Grange does so much work in our local area to rescue and rehabilitate these birds that I had no hesitation in deciding I wanted my fundraising efforts to benefit them.” 

Stapeley Grange is one of four RSPCA wildlife centres based in England that supports the rehabilitation of sick, injured, orphaned and confiscated wildlife. The centre admits animals from the Scottish border to south of Birmingham, into North Wales and across to Lincolnshire.

Just under 5,000 wild animals have been admitted so far this year, with over 70 swans successfully treated and released and many more waiting on Stapeley’s pools waiting to be signed off for release.

Lisa has trained for the Tatton 10k with her friend and fellow local swan enthusiast, Chalene Gibson, who has sadly since picked up an injury and will be unable to take part in the race. Chalene, who has raised over £500 in sponsorship, will be walking the distance instead.  

To support the ongoing work of the wildlife hospital, during this extremely difficult time, please donate to their Wildlife JustGiving site.

Pictured - Lisa Nicholls & Chalene Gibson.