Meet The crazy pigeon people!
Penny’s Pigeon Aid was born out of the passion of three pigeon-loving ladies, Hannah, Carrina, and Joanna. Carrina and Joanna had been following Hannah on social media since she first met Penny, with Carrina supporting her when Penny fell poorly. Following Penny’s death, the three got their heads together and decided to use Penny’s incredible story and legacy to benefit more pigeons all over the world. And after a lot of planning and hard work, they eventually all became official Trustees of the PPA!
Charity Founder & Pigeon Rescuer
Hannah Hall
I have always been an animal-lover, mainly because of my grandpa and his adoration for all animals, because of him I grew up with dogs, cats, cockatiels, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, ferrets, and fish. And I could often be found sitting intently in front of the TV, watching a David Attenborough documentary. Before Penny, I never really paid attention to pigeons, but I was certainly never cruel to any, and I never once fancied myself as a bird owner. However, Penny changed everything and the bond that we shared will likely be something that I will never experience again. It was so powerful, and I learnt so much in our relatively short time together, that I felt compelled to start this charity. And, with the help of so many dedicated friends, we were able to make it a reality and promote kindness to these amazing birds, and all living creatures. If my grandpa and Penny are watching me from heaven, then I hope that they're proud.
Charity Trustee, PR Manager & Animal Lover
Joanna Egierd
Joanna is an experienced communications specialist, and has been involved in animal welfare initiatives globally for the last 15 years. Her special focus is small and disadvantaged charities. Since 2019, she and her husband Ron have been running their own cat aid action.
Her journey to Penny's Pigeon Aid is inspired by a childhood connection to pigeons, instilled by her mum. To Joanna, pigeons represent kindness and gentleness, and she is determined to share that perspective with the world!
Joanna's primary goal at the PPA is to improve the quality of life for pigeons across Great Britain and beyond.
Charity Trustee & Wildlife Rescuer
Carrina North
I’ve always had a love of animals, particularly wildlife from a very young age. I was always told off for feeding every animal I could find around our home. When a friend of mine opened up a local wildlife rescue I jumped at the chance to help out. Started one afternoon a week cleaning out some cages for hedgehogs and pigeons quickly worked my way up to a full time volunteer who went out on rescues and worked on rehabbing our patients to be released. Then one day a young pigeon came in with a fused wing. He wasn’t able to fly, but was completely healthy so he came home with me and my love of pigeons was born. Colin and I were very close and when he passed away, I was so down until another pigeon, Jackie, needed a home, and I of course brought her home with me, and then Milo joined my family after that. Sadly the rescue was closed down due to lack of support, but I still help every animal I can find and work to dispel the negative myths and rumours affecting wildlife, particularly pigeons.
NOW, MEET THE REST OF THE FLOCK!
The great thing about Penny’s Pigeon Aid, is that it brings people together who all have the same goal- to end the stigma against our beautiful feathered friends. Over time, the PPA have been recruiting some incredible ambassadors who have already been on that mission, but now, we can all work together!
Charity Ambassador, Content Creator & Pigeon Lover
Becca & miss pidge
Dear reader,
Picture a 24-year-old West Virginian gal, wearing a killer vintage dress, riding on the back of a giant pigeon. See it in your mind? That’s basically me. Nice to meet you, I’m Becca of @pinupandpigeons on Tiktok and Instagram. Circling back to my two biggest personality traits, I own an online vintage clothing business and, in my opinion-the cutest pigeon in the world. I was inspired to adopt a pigeon after discovering Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue in Chicago, a woman-ran, nonprofit rescue dedicated to pigeons only! After around three months of careful research, I sent in an adoption application for a little gray friend- my Miss Pidge. Now she stars in tiktok videos, is the best thrifting buddy, and educates people about how amazing pigeons are. As for me. I am slinging vintage as my main career, but I hope to eventually transition into full-time content creation. I enjoy sharing my love for vintage fashion, décor, and also the history behind them on my pages, as well as my pet pigeon of course! If pigeons or vintage fashion interest you, Pidge and I would appreciate a “follow.” Our dreams would be nothing without the help of this lovely community and we are very grateful to you all. Becoming an ambassador for Penny’s Pigeon Aid is near and dear to my heart. I have personally strived to raise awareness for pigeons, be their voice, and make the world better for them in the small ways I can. I never feel like I am doing enough for my feathered friends, so this opportunity is greatly appreciated. Thank you for everything!
Charity Ambassador, Content Creator & Pigeon Lover
Angela & fidget
Fidget Spinner (Fidge, for short!) is a little pigeon who crashed out of the sky, into the life of Angela. Angela, is a longtime animal lover, who took Fidget in.
(And that’s how their story began. Though, it’s tricky to say who truly rescued who…)
Fidget had been very ill with a virus (PMV), yet Angela was repeatedly turned away when she tried to get help. So Angela, having recently battled severe illness, herself (cancer… twice) decided to stand by Fidget and not give up on the poorly pigeon. After months of supportive care, Fidget survived.
Fidget brought so much joy to Angela’s life that Angela started opening her home to other pigeons in need. Together, through social media and in-person encounters, Fidget and Angela try to educate people about pigeons, with the hope they’ll change hearts and minds about these beautiful, smart, funny, misunderstood birds.
Charity Ambassador, Artist, Pigeon-lover
Ida "Churpix"
My name is Ida also known as "Churpix" and I am a professional artist who creates content informing others about all things pigeon! I share general information on pigeons and funny videos about my two fancy pigeons Juniper and Mocha on my Tiktok "Juniper & Mocha".
My artwork aims to destigmatize pigeons and show them as the fun and beautiful friends they are! I believe that spreading relatable imagery will help dispel fear and misunderstanding about what pigeons really are to humans; loyal companions who have been with us since prehistory.
My artwork is available on Etsy under the name "Churpix" where I regularly release new designs focused on pigeons!
Charity Ambassador, Content Creator & Pigeon Lover
Izzie Soto
Izzie is an artist, content creator, and avid animal lover. Caring for several exotic pets, Izzie found her audience thanks to her love of pigeons. Her first pigeon was a beautiful female named Lemin, and now she has many adventures with her male pigeon, Kedle. Izzie often posts hilarious content on TikTok with her pigeon, dispelling the misconceptions around these birds. She also has a successful YouTube channel and a patreon.
Izzie said:
"My name is Izzie, but I'm also known as "flatwavelength!" I'm a content creator, and I love pigeons! Ever since I was a child, I've had a fascination with animals. Specifically, I've always admired animals that were, as I put it, misunderstood. I'm passionate about showing the world how wonderful "undesirable" animals are! Pigeons are one of my favorite misunderstood animals, and I love sharing my pet pigeon, Kedle, with the world!"
Charity Ambassador & Graduate in Anthrozoology
Daysee Thornton
Though I can't claim to be a life-long animal lover, my transition to veganism seven years ago taught me how undervalued and disregarded other living beings are just for not being human. This realisation ignited a passion in me which I can now confirm has made me a fully-fledged animal lover. I channelled this passion through my studies in Anthropology, centering much of my work around the plight of animals and writing with advocacy at the fore. This then lead me to enrolling onto Exeter University's Anthrozoology MA during which I focused on bridging the gap between humans and animals, exploring the cultural proximity between the two, how the latter are routinely oppressed and how society as a whole needs to de-centre humans to establish peaceful coexistence for all living beings. I have a particular interest in the unjust vilification of urban wildlife and am impassioned by the goal of raising awareness on this subject. I was totally inspired by the work being carried out at Penny's Pigeon Aid and knew it was something I had to be a part of. I am excited to contribute to the advocation of these intelligent and forgotten birds and Penny's legacy!
Charity Ambassador, Illustrator, Advocate Art
holly bushnell
Holly is an illustrator, with a Master’s degree from Falmouth University, she has always loved pigeons, and with the help of her mum, has previously taken in injured/ill pigeons, before transporting them to 'bird rehabbers'. Holly was completely moved by Penny's story and quickly showed interest in being an ambassador for the PPA. Holly was also keen to become an ambassador following the death of a dear friend that also loved pigeons. Holly said that her friend had always been supportive of her artwork, and would often tell her that she had written a book about pigeons and that she'd love for Holly to do the illustrations. Following her death, Holly wrote a letter to her friend’s son, stating that when the time was right she'd like to illustrate the book in his mother’s memory. However, he said that sadly the book was only ever an idea, and that his mother hadn't actually written it. And so, in honour of that dear friend, Holly will be illustrating Penny's children's book: 'Little Pigeon'.
Aspiring Journalist, Writer, & Pigeon Lover
Julia Benko
My full name is Julia Benko. I'm an aspiring journalist and writer. I run my own (voluntary) magazine and adore doing anything artistic, whether it's taking photography, painting, or cross-stitching! I'm also a massive animal lover, I've been one all my life. I believe a bond with an animal is like no other. I've had that strong connection with my dog Teo as I grew up, and I continue to feel that connection with other dogs, cats, but also different animals – including donkeys, chickens, cows, and birds. When I was little, I would frequently take care of injured birds with my cousin; we would feed them, take care of them and sadly also part with them not long after acquainting ourselves with them. I've not taken care of a pigeon yet, but I've always loved their curious looks, little coos and beautiful colours. I've always thought they were terribly misunderstood, and I often feel helpless witnessing injured pigeons strutting around busy places like train stations, looking for bits of food and some love. I want to be able to help them in any way I can and have been thinking of ways how for a while now. Then, out of nowhere, I discovered Penny's Pigeon Aid and found my answer! I love what the charity is doing; it's very inspiring, educational and bound to make a difference.
Check out Julia's magazine here: https://midwaymagazine.wordpress.com/
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Who will be next!?
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Who will be next!?
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BECOME AN AMBASSADOR
By becoming an ambassador, you can help make a difference to pigeons throughout the UK and the world. Our ambassadors work closely with us to promote education around pigeon welfare, they help manage our social media, take part in campaigns, and produce new ideas for changing the stigma and promoting pigeons in a positive light.
Just email why you would like to be a part of our journey and a member of the team will get back to you!
Penny's Story
Our Projects
Join the Flock
Pigeon History
Find out how Penny's Pigeon Aid is igniting social change, and altering the way that pigeons are viewed, forever.
Learn more about how you can help pigeons, whilst also protecting natural habitats within urban spaces.
Learn of the amazing, true story that founded Penny's Pigeon Aid, a wonderful friendship between a girl and a pigeon, told from the point of view of our founder.
Discover the amazing and tragic history of pigeons, their integral role in society for thousands of years, and their eventual downfall.
