A rock legend has become a patron at a local wildlife rescue centre.
Tony Iommi, the lead guitarist and a founding member of Black Sabbath, is to start working with Vale Wildlife Hospital.
It comes after the 74-year-old heavy metal star rescued an injured collared dove earlier this year.
The hospital’s admin manager Natalie Gould said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Tony Iommi join us as Vale Wildlife Hospital’s newest patron.
“Tony and his wife, Maria, brought an injured collared dove to us earlier in the year.
“Everyone was pretty starstruck, and it was so lovely knowing they would both care enough and take the time to bring an injured patient to us.”
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Natalie explained that they decided to reach out to the guitarist after seeing their bills soar.
She added: “As with most people, the cost of living has had a real impact on the charity with the price of everything rising considerably.
“Our electricity bill has risen from £1,200 per month to £5,500 per month alone.
“Caroline Gould, charity founder, decided to write a letter to Tony and Maria to see if they’d be interested in coming to look around the hospital and see what we do.
“To say we were excited when they agreed is an understatement.”
Iommi and his wife visited the hospital earlier this month and are already busy coming up with ways to raise money for the charity.
Natalie said: “During the tour, it was clear to see both Tony and Maria have a keen interest in wildlife and seemed to be impressed by what we do.
“It all unfolded from there really and we’ll be meeting with Tony again soon to discuss how we can work together to benefit Vale Wildlife Hospital.
“Tony has suggested an auction, but nothing is finalised yet.
“We’re really excited to work with Tony and hope it can bring awareness to how people can help our British wildlife.”
Iommi joins a host of famous faces to support Vale Wildlife.
TV presenter Nigel Marven, broadcaster Simon King, and wildlife artist Richard Symonds are just a few of the charity’s current patrons.
To find out more, visit www.valewildlife.org.uk/.
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