From Midwife to Wildlife Rescuer: Tracey’s Journey

In a world that could use more good news, Tracey’s story is a beautiful reminder of how love and dedication can make a profound difference. Once a midwife in bustling London, Tracey has transformed her life to dedicate herself to animal rescue, a journey she describes as “an unexpected but deeply fulfilling calling.”

Discovering a New Calling

“When I was working as a midwife, I started volunteering for London Wildlife Protection in my free time,” Tracey recalls. “I had an amazing mentor who taught me about wildlife rehabilitation, and I realised that many of the skills I’d learned in medicine could transfer to animals. I’ll never forget the feeling of my first rehabilitation and release—a little magpie. Seeing her fly off all fit and well was a feeling like no other.”

That moment was a turning point. Driven by her love for animals and her growing confidence in her new skills, Tracey made a courageous decision: “I decided to leave midwifery behind and focus on helping vulnerable animals full-time.” Her children became part of her mission too, often joining her on rescues around the city. “They’d come with me to the middle of London to rescue a baby pigeon, holding it carefully in their hoodies to keep it warm on the way home. When they got back from school, they’d ask, ‘Right, where’s the first rescue, Mum?’ It became a family passion.”

Building a Local Wildlife Resource

After two years with London Wildlife Protection, Tracey realised her community needed its own dedicated wildlife resource. “There was nowhere local people could call when they found a hurt or abandoned animal. So, my mentor Rachel and I started Cheshunt Animal Rescue,” she explains. “It began as a small group focused on rehabilitating wildlife, but things quickly grew.”

Expanding to Care for Domestic Animals

As the rescue expanded, Tracey soon found herself caring for domestic birds as well, especially parrots and parakeets. “One day, someone asked if I’d take in an ex-breeding dachshund named Bridget,” she says. “We found out during her spay surgery that she had cancer. It took a year of treatment, but she finally got the all-clear.” Bridget’s recovery was a milestone for Tracey, marking the beginning of her work with dogs.

“After Bridget, the dogs kept coming,” she shares, “and I fostered for over a year, which opened my eyes to the cruelty and neglect many animals face. Soon, people were calling us to help rehome their dogs, and before I knew it, we had rehomed hundreds.”

Among the animals who came into her life, one in particular has touched her heart deeply. “We have a permanent resident here—Susie, a little deaf and blind poodle puppy. She was given away at just five weeks old, so small and so sick that she needed hospitalisation.” Thanks to generous public donations, Tracey was able to give Susie the care she desperately needed. “She’s a survivor,” she smiles. “Susie is a reminder of the difference we can make when we all come together.”

A Team Effort: Volunteers and Fosters

Tracey also credits the incredible support of her team for the success of the rescue. “I’m so grateful for our volunteers,” she says. “We have an amazing team of transporters who go to the rescues and bring animals to Rachel or me for rehabilitation when we’re unable to go. We also have a small team of wonderful dog fosters who provide safe and loving homes for dogs until they’re ready to be rehomed.”

Cheshunt Animal Rescue Team

A Heart Full of Gratitude and an Inspiration to All

With a heart full of gratitude, Tracey reflects on the work she and her family do: “We’re just a family, doing this from our home, and we do it all voluntarily. It’s not easy, but the support from the community is what keeps us going. This journey has changed my life in ways I could never have imagined.”

Tracey’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and a calling that has brought hope and healing to countless animals. Her journey from midwife to wildlife warrior is an inspiration, showing us all the incredible impact one person—and one family—can have on their community.