The cherry on the cake

There’s always a cherry on the cake, right? When I set up the charity in 2005, my sole remit was to shine the spotlight on the hens, create awareness – we know all about that. But what I had absolutely no idea was around the corner and what would cover me in goosebumps (of the good variety) on a regular basis were all the times I heard about the impact the hens had on the lives of those who adopted them. This wasn’t about the hens, this was about the people.

And it’s been the biggest cherry I could have wished for; I’m tingling as I type because it gives me so much pleasure to know that our beloved hens can have such an enduring and positive influence on people from all walks of life, who are going through challenges of one sort or another.

Here are four kind people who have allowed me to shine the spotlight on them for a change, with their hens close by, to illustrate what I mean about our hens giving back:

Firstly, supporter Angie Warner sent us this photo opposite of her little hens Hetty and Letty sitting at her feet.

‘My girls are Sussex Buffs and whilst they are the same age they are so different. Hettie loves me so much and when I leave her she will literally grumble until I come back. Letty is also absolutely gorgeous but a little more independent. They both love to come into my sunroom and sit with me.

My girls have saved me; I am a veteran who served in the Army for 34 years and unfortunately I was medical retired due to having post-traumatic stress disorder from my service in Afghanistan. I lost the will to live and really didn’t want to live until I got my girls.

They give me the reason to get out of bed each day; I have their responsibility and welfare to care for and they help me enormously. They both know when I am not having such a good day because they will come and sit closer to me and not leave my side; gently trilling to let me know they are happy. This makes happy. So when I say my girls have saved me they really have; I could not leave them alone no matter how bad my demons plague me. I would be so lost without them.’

There aren't many of us reading the above who would not feel a great sense of gratitude for both Angie, and for what her hens do to help her heal. Angie’s message covered me from top to bottom in goosebumps, and still does.

Secondly, did you know that hens can bring a little love into your life as both Colin and Gaynor found out in Scotland?!

Around 8 years ago Colin decided to rehome eight hens from our Perth rehoming point; so impacted was he by the work of the charity just one month later he volunteered, instantly becoming a key member of the Perth team.

Since then Colin has been a dependable and dedicated lifesaving driver transporting hundreds of hens from farms to wherever they need to be for their onward journey to retirement. The Scotland teams all benefit from his wonderful support.

How lovely then, that in return the hens have helped him on his own path to a new life with fellow volunteer, Gaynor. The love story began when Colin, who runs his own gardening business, was tending gardens at a company where Gaynor just happened to be having an interview. For Colin, it was love at first sight! And Gaynor’s interview was surely serendipity.

Through Gaynor’s successful application and Colin’s regular attendance to keep the gardens tidy, a love match began to flourish. It was sealed, for Gaynor, when she learnt that Colin rescued hens from slaughter – she knew a good egg when she saw one!

Isn’t that sweet – we love this story!

Finally, Gregory Singleton has been a BHWT volunteer since July 2020 along with his mum, Marion, for BHWT Team Stanton in Suffolk. Gregory is 32 and has Downs Syndrome and Autism. Marion unfortunately reported to our Stanton team coordinator, Sara, that Gregory’s health was deteriorating and that he was attending many appointments with health professionals to assess how best to keep him well.

One of the consultants is a psychologist and Gregory spoke to her about his hens on and off throughout his appointment and he smiled each time they were mentioned. The psychologist told Marion in fact that hens were an essential part of Gregory’s life and he could never be without them. When some of these appointments have been at home Gregory will proudly take whoever it may be down to his girls. In fact here’s what Marion told Sara in her own words:

“Even though we have other animals the chickens obviously mean so much to him. She [the psychologist] has told us that we can never not have hens for Gregory!!! She is thrilled that he volunteers, that he has a valuable role and that the whole team with your leadership and inclusion support him.”

In return Gregory’s role is described by Sara: “[Gregory’s] role as hen cuddler is extremely valuable & appreciated! He’s a little star.”

Now I don’t know about you, but I hope the above has moved you as much as it has me; these are just three of a multitude of illustrations that tell us just what we get back from helping our lovely hens. I am so hugely grateful and humbled by these underrated and undervalued feathery beings and our wonderful volunteers who help them.