AN ANIMAL rescue charity has dedicated a new unit to one of its long-serving volunteers.

The Monica Russell Orphan Rearing Unit is based at East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service’s (WRAS) wildlife hospital at Whitesmith, near Lewes.

Mrs Russell, 68, from Eastbourne, has helped wildlife charities with orphan rearing for more than 20 years.

She is currently suffering from a rare and incurable form of bile duct cancer and was unable to go to the official opening.

Her husband Brian was on hand to open the centre on her behalf.

He said: “This has been very difficult time for us and seeing all the hard work which has gone into this and getting it open is simply amazing .

“On behalf of Monica I can’t thank everyone enough.”

WRAS founder Trevor Weeks said: “I have known Monica for many years, and she has helped us take in and rear thousands of baby wildlife.

“I have seen her miraculously turn around numerous emaciated, hypothermic, premature baby wildlife like foxes, badgers, hedgehogs, stoats and more.”