I am Jade, a teacher from Cornwall, now living in Devon.

Recently, my family and I had to say goodbye to my grandma, Jill Rossiter, a wonderful mum, grandma, great-grandma, wife, friend and human being. Seven years prior, Grandad, the brilliant builder, cricketer and family man who had a huge impact on our family and local communities, passed away, and we all miss them both indescribably.

I thought I would set myself a fundraising challenge, running Bradley's 10km Race (my longest run yet) in Exmouth, raising money for Paignton Zoo in memory of my amazing grandparents.

10k may not seem a lot to some people, but as a non-athletic person who used to hate the idea of even running for the bus, it's a big challenge! Time to get off the sofa and get my running shoes out!

Grandma and Grandad loved Paignton Zoo and would visit every Sunday. They were supporters of the zoo for decades, and it was a big part of their lives. Their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have special memories of visiting with them.

Of all the animals, they bonded with the gorillas and orangutans the most. Some would even seem to recognise them and would interact with them a lot. They enjoyed each other's weekly visits!

I am fundraising for Paignton Zoo as they played a huge part in my grandparents' lives and have a huge impact on endangered animals, the community and the environment. I also have special memories of the zoo and its wonderful inhabitants. I want to help Paignton Zoo and its amazing animals keep thriving, as well as set myself a challenge in my grandparents' memory.

It is a privilege to be able to keep supporting the zoo for them and to do something to honour the great people that they were.

Paignton Zoo is part of Wild Planet Trust, a conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. They operate two zoos in south west England, in addition to two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. They also work in partnership with other organisations and communities at home and abroad to protect wild animals and their habitats.

Wild Planet Trust zoos and reserves provide safe havens for threatened species, and unique opportunities for people to connect with nature. Your donation will support their conservation work and help them to provide the very best care to the animals and plants that call Paignton Zoo home, helping my grandparents' haven and its residents to keep thriving.

Any donations, whatever amount you are able to donate, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.