* Updated list of challenges *

Hi everyone,

I'm back with an updated list of challenges for 2024, all in the name of helping save rhinos from extinction with Care for Wild UK!

I'm bracing myself for a year of fitness, tears, and hopefully some triumphs (fingers crossed) :). Last September I ran my first 10K, and after the initial anxiety and tears came strength and a feeling of purpose. So I'm buzzing about my 2024 program:

January: Dry Jan and the Wild Rhino Run - I will complete the Storm Distance (42.2km) in the month - sober!

May: 1 Mile Greater Manchester Swim

June: Windermere triathlon

July: Salford Triathlon

September: Warrington Half Marathon for me and Junior Race for Zoe!

Get ready for glorious, sweaty selfies documenting my journey from non-athlete to, well, slightly less non-athlete.

Big shoutout to those who've donated - your support is a lifeline for rhinos and the brave communities protecting them against poachers.

I might be out of my comfort zone, but knowing firsthand how hard the team in South Africa works to save rhinos from extinction (and the ecosystems that rely on them), makes my anxiety disappear. Plus, I'm expecting wings (and flippers) to sprout during each event. It's science.

Thanks a million,

Leo and Zoe xxx

*Further info on Care for Wild (UK)*

Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary (UK) was established as a charity in 2020 to help raise funds for the conservation of endangered species, in particular rhinoceroses. We do this by making grants towards the rescue and ongoing care of any orphaned animals, but we also recognise and support the importance of community development to help provide education, health services, and jobs and thereby reduce the temptation to succumb to poaching in the first place.

Please follow Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary on social media to get your daily dose of rhino love and to help you understand that protecting rhinos is not only crucial to future generations but also key to protecting the unique ecosystems in South Africa. For us now, and for them in the future.

*Previous intro*

Embarking on a year-long adventure to support Care for Wild (UK) here! It all kicks off with a 10K at the Warrington Running Festival on September 24th. Zoé, my awesome daughter, will be running the kids' 1km race – she's on a mission for Daisy the rhino and Modjaji the zebra!

Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in South Africa. Their team works tirelessly to save rhinos from extinction, one at a time. The sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates, and rewilds orphaned rhinos, and they even have a breeding program that saw its first baby rhino born in 2022. It's a process that demands round-the-clock dedication.

I'm immensely proud of their work, and witnessing conservation in action was beyond humbling. Times are tough, but inflation is hitting the charity hard. Every pound makes a difference, and I'll keep you posted on how your donations are helping as I take on these challenges. Stay tuned for updates!

Thank you in advance for your incredible support.

Leo X