New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow

by Jessica Redland

  ‘Erm, yes. Definitely. I hadn’t thought of that.’

  ‘Thank you. We’re desperately short of donors and especially male ones. Let’s get you tested then.’ He washed his hands then ripped open the package. ‘Simple cheek swab. Mouth open… and all done. I’ll get it over to the lab and you’ll get a text with the results tomorrow.’

  ‘Great. I’m assuming you’ve got no matches for Dad’s tissue type in your database?’ I knew it was a silly question but I felt I needed the spoken confirmation so that I didn’t hold out false hope there too.

  Dr Burrows removed his glasses and gave me a weak smile. ‘I’m sorry. It’s the first thing we check but there simply aren’t anywhere near enough donors. Only 2 per cent of the UK population are registered.’

  ‘My girlfriend wants to get tested and we have a few friends who’d probably be willing too. Do they all need to make appointments?’

  ‘It’s quick and easy through the post. Here.’ He opened a cupboard and removed a box. ‘There are twenty testing kits in here, all to be sent back to the lab individually. Do what you can and all I’d ask is you return any kits you don’t use.’ He opened another drawer and grabbed some flyers. ‘They can specifically be tested for a match for your dad but I’d appreciate it if you can encourage them to join the register. You’ve seen how quick and painless testing is. Contrary to the myth, collection is perhaps a little uncomfortable rather than painful. It’s all in the leaflets. Have a read.’

  We stayed a little longer exploring more about plans for Dad. After the appointment, he wanted to stay at the hospital and said that Mum had arranged to bring Archie through again so she’d drop him back at the flat on her way home.

  As I drove back towards the practice, I rang Sammie.

  ‘I’ll meet you in the practice car park,’ she said after I’d updated her about the appointment. ‘You can do my swab and we’ll get it straight in the post. We can spend some time ringing round friends tonight then one of us can go for a drive to deliver the kits. The sooner they’re done, the sooner we’ll know the results.’

  Between hoglet feeds that evening, we were both pretty much welded to our phones, ringing any local friends we could think of to ask if they’d be willing to be tested, then I hit the road delivering kits. At thirty-three and thirty-five respectively, Rich and Dave were above the ideal age category but we decided it was worth a try and made thirty-five our cut-off point. Hannah and Toby were willing and several of my mates confirmed they were happy to be tested too.

  ‘I can’t believe it, mate,’ Lewis said when I called him. ‘I know what your dad did to you was shitty but nobody deserves this.’

  ‘I know. It was a hell of a shock.’

  ‘I bet! It’s good you’re back in touch, though. I’m in, no question. How about you drop off a kit for me at work and one for our lad cos he’ll be up for it. Bring some of those leaflets too and I’ll have a word with my manager. We have loads of staff in that age bracket so I’m confident we could drum up volunteers if you can get some more testing kits.’

  ‘Lewis, you absolute legend. Cheers, mate. I’ll drop them off later.’

  Spurred on by Lewis’s offer to look into a testing programme at Aversford Manor, I called a special staff meeting on Wednesday morning.

  Looking round the curious gazes was reminiscent of the last time I’d called a special meeting – after the incident. I hadn’t wanted to share the very personal reason for Dad’s departure but Beth had friends on the team so I knew there’d be gossip and rumours. I’d therefore prepared a basic statement and hoped I could deliver it with confidence and my dignity intact: ‘With immediate effect Paul Alderson is no longer a partner at this veterinary practice. His long-term girlfriend, Beth Giddings, has also left.’ I’d winced at the gasps but the shocked expressions suggested that most of them hadn’t known about our sordid little love triangle. ‘I have no plans to change the practice name as that’s my granddad’s legacy. I was not aware of the relationship between Beth and my father and that’s all I’m going to say about the matter. I’d appreciate it if you could respect what a difficult time this is for my mum and me and refrain from discussing it.’

  Facing the team again now, I recalled how excruciatingly uncomfortable that meeting had been. This one was uncomfortable too but for different reasons. I cleared my throat and glanced towards Jonathan who gave me an encouraging nod.

  ‘Most of you here worked with my dad, Paul, and those who joined the practice after he left will likely have heard about his legacy.’ I noticed a couple of smirks but it was understandable; it was a major piece of gossip.

  ‘My dad is ill. He has Hodgkin lymphoma which is a type of blood cancer and his chemotherapy treatment hasn’t been working so it’s fairly certain he’ll need a stem cell transplant…’ I finished explaining what that meant and the age bracket needed for donors. ‘I’m going to leave some leaflets in the staffroom for anyone who wants to read more and there’s information online. I have some testing kits in my office. There is no expectation on any of you and I can assure you that there will be no change in how anyone is treated whether they volunteer or not, but if anyone aged thirty-five or under would be willing to be tested, please come and see me today or later this week.’

  I’d only been back in my office five minutes when the first staff member appeared requesting a kit. Across the morning, there were further requests. Those who’d worked with Dad expressed their shock and asked me to pass on their best wishes and those who’d never met him said they’d heard good things about his ability as a vet and were keen to help if they could.

  Then came the text I’d been both longing for and dreading in equal measures. My hands shook as I opened it.

  Not a strong enough match.

  Numbly, I sank back into my chair staring at it, willing for the words to change. I’d been warned. I knew the odds. But I’d dared to hope.

  I’m not sure how long I sat there but I suddenly felt quite claustrophobic, desperate for space to breathe. I grabbed my keys and headed for Alder Lea and this time I managed to unlock the door and step inside.

  It felt strange being in the house. It had that distinctive smell of somewhere that hadn’t been lived in – a foisty aroma that screamed for fresh air.

  I perched on the edge of the sofa, feeling guilty that I’d abandoned the home that my grandparents had designed and built themselves and had loved so much. I’d let them down, not only for walking out on their home, but also for walking out on their son. They’d have been disappointed in what Dad had done but they’d also have been disappointed in my reaction.

  Sadness overcame me as I wandered round the rest of the shell of a house. It had once been a happy family home and it would be again. I’d get it refurbished and, when Beth and Dad were sufficiently recovered, they could have it. If the worst happened and Dad didn’t recover – I shuddered at the thought – it would be Beth’s home if she wanted it and I’d do everything I could to help her, Archie and Lottie.

  As for the more immediate future, the reaction of my team had inspired me. So many of them had expressed how much they loved my dad and missed working with him. Even though I’d told Sammie it could be embarrassing for him to accept a more junior position at the practice, it was obvious now that I’d been protecting myself. I’d been embarrassed and humiliated by his actions and it had taken a lot to walk tall at work again. But this was about him, not me.

  Dad had returned to work today in Wilbersgate. He hadn’t wanted to leave Beth but she’d insisted. He was going to need a significant amount of time off for his next round of chemo and I got the impression money was tight; hardly surprising considering he’d walked out of his marriage with nothing and had taken a massive salary drop.

  When he was settled at Hedgehog Hollow, I’d offer him the position of veterinary nurse at my practice. If he accepted, his role would be different from before and it might be a little strange for both of us at first, but what hadn’t changed was the admirat
ion and respect the team had for him. Having Dad surrounded by people who cared and understood was more important than any discomfort I might feel.

  53

  Samantha

  The sofa bed arrived on Thursday afternoon and I was in the process of ripping the plastic covering off it when a text came through from the hospital. My heart sank. I wasn’t a match either. I sank down onto the plastic, staring at my phone.

  ‘Hello? Samantha?’ Connie’s voice from the barn doorway brought me out of my trance.

  ‘Sorry. I didn’t even hear you arrive.’

  ‘Everything okay?’ she asked coming closer, holding a squirming Archie in her arms. With Paul at the hospital every non-working hour, it seemed easier on everyone – and less disruptive – if Archie stayed with Connie until they were ready to move into Hedgehog Hollow.

  ‘I’ve just had my text through from the hospital and I’m not a match for Paul.’

  ‘Aw, sweetheart. I’m sorry.’

  ‘We both tried so hard not to get our hopes up but Josh was crushed yesterday and now I have to give him more bad news.’

  ‘Don’t give up. Someone somewhere will be a match. I’m sure of it.’

  ‘Hopefully. Is this a fleeting visit or do you have time for a cuppa?’

  ‘A cuppa would be great.’

  ‘Why don’t you take Archie round to the garden and I’ll bring the drinks out?’

  Connie was strapping Archie into his buggy by Thomas's bench when I approached with the drinks.

  She passed him a cup of juice and placed a tub of chopped fruit on the tray. ‘I thought this might be the best way for us to have a drink in peace.’

  I handed her a mug and we both sat down.

  ‘I’d ask if you’re missing teaching but so much has happened, I bet you’ve barely had a chance to think about it.’

  I smiled. ‘Teaching seems a lifetime ago now, even though it has only been a fortnight. I loved that job but I love the hedgehogs more and it was the right decision to leave. Not that I actually made that decision. Your sister did that but I’m glad she did.’

  She laughed. ‘So very Lauren but it was for the best.’

  ‘Definitely.’ I took a sip of my tea. ‘Josh tells me you’re going on a date with Alex. Presumably the phone call went well.’

  Her eyes twinkled. ‘I was so nervous about ringing him but it couldn’t have gone better. I’d thought he might say, “Connie who?” but he said he was thrilled to hear from me and had been kicking himself for not asking for my number because he’d love to take me out for dinner some time. Lauren’s coming round to look after Archie tonight and Alex is taking me out to The Silver Birch.’

  ‘How lovely. Josh and I had our first proper date there.’

  ‘And look at you two now. I’m hoping it will work its magic on Alex and me.’

  ‘I have a feeling it will. Although I think the magic happened when you had your moment with him four years ago and destiny has simply been waiting for the right time to bring you two together.’

  ‘I think you could be right. It wouldn’t have worked back then. I wouldn’t have thought I was ready to let anyone in again now but this is Alex we’re talking about. I’m so excited! I’ve already planned what to wear and how to do my hair.’ She shook her head and laughed. ‘Listen to me. I sound like a fourteen-year-old heading out on my first ever date.’

  ‘It’s sweet. It shows how much you care. Are you going to tell him where you know him from?’

  She picked up Archie’s cup which he’d dropped onto the ground and gave it a wipe before handing it back to him. ‘Yes. It’ll be hard not to blurt it straight out but I want to see his reaction properly so I’m going to have to try to control myself and wait until we get to the restaurant.’

  ‘He might have already worked it out for himself.’

  ‘I’d love it if he has. I guess I’ll know either way in a few hours.’

  Fizz had arranged to come round to help feed the hoglets. ‘We’ve had another three adults admitted this week and I’ve just had another arrive,’ I told her. ‘You probably passed the person who brought him on your way up the track.’

  ‘Perfect timing! What have we got?’

  The hog was curled up in a bowl on the scales as I’d been weighing him when Fizz arrived, ready to prepare his painkillers and antibiotics. I scribbled his weight down on his chart.

  ‘This is Neo. Large adult male, seriously dehydrated and in a pretty bad way. He’s got several cuts on his head, probably caused by a dog or a fox, and a bad case of flystrike. Bit smelly as a result.’ I pointed to his head. ‘You see these scabs?’

  ‘Oh my God! They’re moving!’

  I nodded. ‘Maggots. Poor thing must be in a lot of pain so I want to get some painkillers into him as a priority then get him cleaned up as quickly as I can.’ I started filling the syringes as I spoke. ‘I won’t be able to let you work on him as speed is of the essence to minimise stress and pain but I’ll explain what I’m doing. Would you be my photographer?’

  The woman who dropped him off had only just found him in her garden but I’d read of cases where people spotted injured hogs and did nothing until the following day. It takes about four hours from flies laying eggs to maggots hatching, quicker in hotter weather. Although the photos would make for gruesome viewing, I wanted to show how bad things could get if injured hogs weren’t tended to quickly.

  Fizz picked up my phone and started snapping from various angles. ‘It looks sore.’

  ‘Sore. Itchy. And he’ll have been trying to scratch it which will have made it even worse.’ I administered the injections. ‘We’ll make you better, little one. Hang on in there.’

  I opened up a fishing tackle box and lifted out a head torch. ‘I need to clean the wounds and, because they’re infested, I need to ensure I’ve got everything out so the torch helps. This box is full of all sorts of useful things for cleaning out wounds like cotton buds, pads, tweezers…’ I placed a pile of cotton wool pads on the table.

  ‘Are those mascara brushes?’

  I smiled. ‘I picked up the idea from another rescue centre. They’re great for cleaning round the spines.’

  I lifted Neo from his bowl and placed him on the layers of blue paper towel then lifted a small knife. ‘This is going to be messy. I’ll start with cutting away the scabs because we need to get all the maggots and any yucky stuff out of those.’

  ‘This is so gross but so fascinating.’

  When I’d removed the scabs, I picked up a can of special spray and shook it. ‘This part is magic. Watch!’

  ‘Oh. My. God! That is super awesome!’

  The spray drew all the maggots out of the wound and it was astonishing how many there were which, even with my extra-bright head torch, I could never have seen and removed myself.

  I worked with the various items in my toolkit, cleaning out the wounds before a thorough flushing with saline solution and a special wound cleanser. I attended to a couple of small patches of flystrike further down his body where he had grazes rather than cuts, then settled Neo into his crate with a fresh bowl of water.

  ‘Wow! That was so amazing to watch.’ Fizz scrolled through the photos on my phone. ‘You’ve just saved his life.’

  I removed the head torch and smiled at her. ‘He wouldn’t have survived without this treatment but we’re not out the woods yet. You know yourself from being around animals that they can go downhill fast. The shock and stress can be too much for them. Hopefully that won’t be the case for Neo and we’ll be releasing him when he’s healed and hydrated.’

  ‘Can he be released in my garden when he’s better?’

  ‘I don’t see why not. We prefer to release where they came from if it’s a suitable environment but the woman who dropped Neo off said she’s moving house next week so it’s not an option. They need releasing where hedgehogs are known to be as that suggests there aren’t many predators, particularly badgers. Seeing as the hoglets were from your garden, releasi
ng Neo there is as good a place as any.’

  She clapped her hands together and grinned. ‘Yay! So what’s next?’

  ‘We need to clean out the crates and put out fresh food and water for all the adults and the hoglets will be ready for feeding any minute.’

  Josh arrived at the barn at that point. ‘Sorry I’m so late. A couple of complications during surgery but all sorted now. Hi, Fizz, how are you?’

  ‘Brilliant. I’ve been watching Sam with Neo and she was awesome.’

  Josh raised an eyebrow at me. ‘Neo?’

  ‘New arrival. I’ll fill you in later. Erm… I got my text.’ I grimaced.

  ‘No match?’ He sighed. ‘It was a long shot. They’re all a long shot – Dr Burrows was very clear on that – but someone’s surely going to come close.’

  I turned to Fizz. ‘Josh’s dad has blood cancer and very likely needs a stem cell transplant. Josh and I have both been tested but we’re not matches.’

  ‘What does being a donor involve?’

  I cleared away the equipment and wiped down the table while Josh started to explain. The hoglets had started squeaking so, with the heat pads plugged in and covered in fleecy blankets once more, I took them out their crates and conversation paused while Fizz squealed with excitement at how much they’d grown since the weekend.

  ‘Sorry,’ she said to Josh. ‘You have my attention again now. Please continue.’

  When he’d finished, she nodded her head solemnly. ‘Sign me up. How many tests can you get hold of?’

  ‘Probably quite a lot. Why?’

  ‘I reckon I can get you a hundred volunteers. Easily.’

  I nearly dropped Aurora as I stared at her in disbelief. ‘Where from?’

  ‘Friends. Young farmers. University. Most of the people I mix with regularly are in that age bracket. I’ll have a word with my dad and I reckon the police would be up for it. Ooh, and you could spread the word round the TEC and the sixth form. I bet there’s loads of students who have no idea what’s involved and would sign up when they do. Someone from the hospital might even come and do a mass testing session which will probably have a better hit rate because some numpties would be bound to take the kit home then never get round to doing it or they’d do it and not post it.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘If you email me some details and your contact at the hospital, I’m happy to arrange it all.’