A FOUNDER of a leading wildlife hospital has died aged 73.

Staff at St Tiggywinkles, in Haddenham, confirmed today the death of Les Stocker MBE on Saturday, July 16.

They said it was due to a "short and sudden illness" after he returned from holiday.

Mr Stocker leaves behind his wife Sue, son Colin, daughter-in-law Verity and granddaughters Amelia and Alexia.

A statement from St Tiggywinkles added: "Our thoughts are with them and rest of his family at this very difficult time.

"The loss will be greatly felt to the world of wildlife.

"Les was a steadfast ambassador, achieving his goal to turn wildlife rehabilitation into a profession, to have it recognised by other professionals and to ensure wherever possible, that all casualties have the best treatment in order to return back to their natural habitat.

"Over the lifetime of his work Les has inspired other individuals and organisations to rise to the challenge of rehabilitating wildlife."

Mr Stocker was awarded the MBE in 1992 for services to wildlife.

He has written definitive books and pamphlets on caring for wildlife, works that are used as reference by veterinary surgeries everywhere.

The statement from St Tiggywinkles added: "His tireless dedication has changed the way the world sees and deals with sick and injured wildlife.

"He has built an incredible organisation, one that will strive to continue his legacy."

St Tiggywinkles began in 1978, when Les and Sue Stocker and their son Colin began taking in wildlife casualties in earnest.

The project became a registered charity in February 1983, but before this the Stockers funded the work from their savings.

In 1985, Susan Hampshire opened the world's first bespoke hedgehog unit, christened St Tiggywinkles. Corporate sponsorship and the lease of a site near Thame led to the opening of the present facility in 1991.