AN Acton solicitor has been inspired to help in the fight to save a local animal centre after rescuing an injured bird.

Natalia Siabkin, 48, was getting on a tube train at West Acton to go into Ealing when she noticed the injured pigeon lying on the platform.

While in Ealing she resolved to help the stricken animal and popped into the London Wildcare Trust Animal Centre, in Walpole Park, to ask for advice on what to do.

She said: “I was very surprised when I went in and they told me to bring the pigeon in. They even let me handle another bird they had there so I could learn how to carry them properly.

“I went back to the station and it was still there, very balled up and hunched over and it had a bleeding leg.

I picked it up, but then had to persuade the taxi firm at the station to let me into their cab with the bird to take me to the centre as I didn’t want to take it on the train. It was very comical.”

The centre, which takes in injured and vulnerable animals, is in danger of having to close because of a funding shortfall of around £40,000.

Last month the Ealing Times launched a campaign to help raise funds and awareness about the vital work the group does.

Natalia, who lives in The Link, West Acton, said: ”The day after the pigeon incident I picked up the paper and saw the article about the animal centre and the fact it is in danger. That’s when I decided I would help them out.

“I’m a freelance solicitor so I can’t commit regular time to go and help, but I thought at least I could lend a hand with admin, as I have a lot of experience in that area.

“The work they do is so vital, as there is no one else looking after these sick creatures. I think a lot of people know there is an animal centre in the park, but don’t know exactly what they do.”