Volunteer rushes over from Surrey to save Winchester swan

Fergus Lyons, from Stanmore, noticed a swan stuck behind some flats in Water Lane when he was visiting some friends before the New Year.

The swan was injured and bleeding so Fergus, a community wellbeing worker, stayed with the swan and called his friend and local swan enthusiast Robert Truscott for help.

Mr Truscott advised Fergus to contact volunteer Danni Rogers from the Swan Sanctuary. Danny was with the swan within 45 minutes, having to travel from Camberley in Surrey, when he was just about to go to the gym.

Saving the swan (Image: Fergus Lyons)

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Fergus, 51, said: “I noticed the swan had quite a bad injury, it was bleeding from its legs and breast and I was worried how it got into this condition. I can only guess it might have flown towards the river and landed there.

“I was surprised to get such a positive response and interest to come out and save this swan. I was amazed, he was so eager to come down and help.

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Danni Rogers (Image: Fergus Lyons)

“I watched him do this phenomenal and skilled job and the swan was completely relaxed. Danni was like Superman, it’s just a shame the swan has had to leave its territory.”

The swan is now safely recovering at the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton, Middlesex. Fergus is encouraging anyone else who comes across a vulnerable swan to contact the Swan Sanctuary on 01932 240790.

Volunteer Danni has launched his own petition to make the sale of catapults and ammunition and carrying them in public spaces illegal as it could injure wildlife.

For more information go to petition.parliament.uk/petitions/653116?fbclid=IwAR0MZMmgjkBZ2FnuY6e7w9Siq8fXZT9P6gFW1xGwDLcFcLl6mS-0As7GM3I. And for more on the Swan Sanctuary go to theswansanctuary.org.uk/.