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This week, I came across a truly inspiring story that touched my heart. A young girl recognised a situation that needed change, and from her passion, a charity was born—one that has positively impacted the lives of over a million hens.
This story beautifully illustrates the power of following your passion and how it can lead to remarkable, positive change. While many might have questioned the significance of saving a few hens, asking, “What difference can it make?” she saw a need and acted.
Her determination proves that even small beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
A charity was born.
The King has adopted the British Hen Welfare Trust’s one millionth hen – and named the bird Henrietta, the charity said.
The hen was rehomed at Highgrove Gardens, which surrounds the private residence of Charles and the Queen in Gloucestershire, along with 30 other birds on August 17.
Henrietta travelled in a hand-crafted carrier created by award-winning British fashion designer Lulu Guinness.
Founder of the charity Jane Howorth said she is thrilled that one million hens have been rehomed. The inspiration and passion behind it were sparked when a then-teenage Jane Howorth watched a Panorama documentary about the living conditions of domestic livestock.
The charity works to rehome commercial laying hens and has done so in schools, community areas, prisons and back gardens across the country, “inspiring the British public to see hens as much-loved pets”.
They don’t last long.
According to BHWT, commercial laying hens are typically replaced with younger birds once they reach 18 months old to maintain maximum egg production. At this point, the older animals are sent to slaughter.
In its first three years, the charity rehomed just shy of 100,000 battery hens otherwise destined for slaughter – something that had never been done before.
However, things were to skyrocket even more when Jane appeared on Channel 4’s Jamie’s Fowl Dinners alongside Jamie Oliver in January 2008, sparking a massive surge in people wanting to rehome hens.
Founder and CEO of the charity Jane Howorth said: “We’re thrilled that one million hens have been adopted and extremely pleased that Henrietta and her 30 feathered friends are heading to Highgrove Gardens.
A happy retirement.
To think that so many hens have had a happy retirement gives me a great deal of pleasure, as I’m sure it has for all the kind-hearted British supporters who’ve taken these deserving little creatures into their homes and hearts.
“Helping to save 4,000 was my original target, and we’ve exceeded my expectations by some margin.
“From the day I started this charity, it’s been a privilege to meet and work with people who want to help hens and to work alongside the egg industry to champion hen welfare and free-range eggs.”
This reminds me of the story of the starfish.
One day, a man was walking along a beach covered with starfish washed ashore by the tide. As he walked, he noticed a young girl in the distance who was picking up starfish one by one and gently throwing them back into the ocean.
Curious, the man approached the girl and asked, “Why are you doing this? There are thousands of starfish on this beach. You can’t possibly make a difference.”
The girl listened politely, then bent down to pick up another starfish. She smiled as she threw it back into the sea and said, “It made a difference to that one.”
What can we learn?
The Power of Passion: The story emphasises how passion can drive significant change. Jane Howorth’s commitment to improving the lives of hens led to the creation of a charity that has rehomed over a million hens, showing that a deep passion for a cause can lead to remarkable outcomes.
Impact of Small Beginnings: The charity started with a modest goal of saving 4,000 hens, yet it grew exponentially, illustrating how small beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements when fuelled by dedication and persistence.
Inspiration from Adversity: The charity’s founding was inspired by Jane Howorth’s emotional response to a Panorama documentary on livestock conditions. This demonstrates how witnessing injustice or suffering can inspire people to take action and create meaningful change.
The Value of Individual Actions: Just like the starfish story, this article reinforces the idea that even small, individual actions can make a significant difference. Every hen rehomed by the British Hen Welfare Trust represents a life saved, showing that each effort, no matter how small, matters.
Have you or anyone you know ever adopted a rescue hen? If so, I’d love to hear about it —please reply to this email! My neighbour has two hens, and I wonder if they might be rescued. I am going to ask them.
Thoughts for the week.
- Do you have a passion you’ve yet to pursue?
- Is it a dream that keeps resurfacing, urging you to act?
- If so, let these stories inspire you to take that first step. You never know where this journey might lead or how much you’ll grow along the way.
- Reflect on these stories throughout the week and see if they inspire you to begin.
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend, and keep believing.
Warm regards
John
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