On 31st July 2022, World Ranger Day, I took the first steps of our #W4Life walking endurance event #Walk4Life around Lake Kariba, the world’s largest manmade lake by volume, situated on the Zambezi River, an integral part of the Zambesia biodiverse ecosystem.

Accompanied by the most amazing Rangers from ZimParks Wildlife and Management, supported by the unsung volunteers making up the logistics re-supply teams, I completed the first 450km of the Zimbabwe side on 26th August 2022.

Prior to commencing the Zambia leg back to the dam wall, where we aim to hold the finale on World Tourism Day, I am now re-grouping in Victoria Falls to sew clothes, mend muscles and support vehicles, talk to media and sponsors, re-plan routes and keep my mind and focus on the task ahead.

Whilst we have done 450km, this feels like another start of a long and arduous journey so I really appreciate all the support from everyone, which is growing in recognition of the key messaging around mental health and our natural world. See https://linktr.ee/caspvo

The healing power of Nature is incredible – a fact that is being recognised more and more by health professionals as a viable alternative to medical interventions in treating a wide range of mental health issues.

The aim behind the walk is to highlight this fact to the rest of the world and to encourage more people to reconnect with the great outdoors for their own wellbeing.

I would like to pay personal tribute to the entire team who have been unstinting in their support of this endurance walk – they have been fantastic and I have lost count of the number of times they have gone the extra mile!

All funds raised will go towards Zambesia Conservation Alliance (USA 501(c)(3) charity number EIN 85-1713453) and Consolidated Africa Services (Private Voluntary Organisation) (charity number PVO 37/19)

To track the walk please go to https://www.zambesia.com/w4life/