Hello generous supporter,

Thank you for taking time to visit my JustGiving page.

The news is correct, I am running the Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon, a 100 mile tour of the Indonesian rainforest.

You may ask is he mad? What about the heat, the altitude, the probability that you'll walk like the tin man for weeks after the event. All valid questions but the question that really matters is: what can we do for the wildlife that live in the rainforest?

Only 50% of the rainforest in Borneo remains due to Palm oil plantations and illegal logging. This is having a devastating affect on all forms of wildlife in the rainforest, in particular the Orangutan, as over 60% of their natural habitat has been destroyed. This has resulted in a loss of on average 4,000 of these great apes per year.

By taking part in this great event, in conjunction with Chester Zoo, I hope to play my part in the planting of a wildlife corridor. Which will provide an expanded habitat for the orangutans and other wildlife we know to be present in disconnected rainforest fragments.

On a previous visit to Indonesia, I personally encountered an Orangutan and I was struck by how intelligent he was. I don't doubt the upsetting effect the loss of their homes must be having on the Orangutans and helping in my small way will only serve as further motivation as I put one foot in front of the other on the trails. Please see a picture below of my Orangutan friend.

The day after the picture was taken in 2018, I had a serious accident, when I fell off a cliff. In all seriousness, I still do not know how I survived the 40 ft fall. I broke many bones and still struggle daily with mobility issues in my back and shoulders. My fight to return to full fitness will, I am sure, be complete when I return to Indonesia and cross the finish line but the Orangutans fight will go on long after that.

I would be extremely grateful if you would be so kind as to donate any amount to this cause by sponsoring me.

I'll leave you to decide if I'm mad. 

Best wishes
Stephen