I am raising funds in donation to WWF-UK and their invaluable work in Africa’s Mara region supporting wildlife conservation projects for the local lions, leopards and other wild cats.

I have a couple of big challenges ahead. First of which is running in this year’s Great North Run as a part of WWF-UK’s own “Team Panda” who've set a fundraising target of £400.

Then shortly after this event will be the Loch Ness Marathon which I will be running with our good family friend Victoria in memory of my brother Michael.

Michael was a true adventurer and avid supporter of wildlife conservation, having been involved in many projects himself all around the globe.

He was incredibly passionate about animals and always incorporated this into his travels, often dedicating a whole trip to environmental protection and animal conservation. He always had a brilliant story to tell about each and every one of his adventures.

But the one animal that always intrigued and fascinated him the most was leopards (especially after his own very close encounter whilst on safari in South Africa), which is why I know the WWF’s work in the Mara would mean so much to him.

I will use this space to give updates on my training and any events along the way.

Any and all support is greatly appreciated for this very worthy cause.

Please take a few minutes to watch the video below from WWF-Kenya on the Mara and visit http://www.marapredatorconservation.org/.

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2020 Progress & Training Diary:

15th Feb: Attended the WWF-UK Team Panda Training Day at The Living Planet Centre (WWF Panda H.Q.). Had a fantastic day meeting the team and other WWF Team Panda runners. Lots of great advice for training and fundraising tips from the professionals. Plus we all braved the howling wind and rain of storm Dennis during the training run!

8th Mar: Ran over 10km for the first time ever in training today

April Challenge: Entered into a "Race at Your Pace" individual challenge event. The goal was to run 65 miles or more during the month which I completed (longest run 17.2km which I was pleased with until it dawned on me there's another 25km more to complete a marathon - yikes!)

May: To help keep motivation during lockdown I set myself a challenge to Run Every Day in May. Run a mile or more every day which I did completing over 100 miles in total and on 31st was the 'virtual' Great B'ham 10k.

June: ** Due to COVID-19 Pandemic ** unfortunately both GNR & LNM events have been cancelled for this year - but my place has been automatically carried forward to 2021!

However I felt it was important to keep up momentum and fundraising so entered the Great North Run solo virtual challenge. To mark it's 40th anniversary, complete 40 runs by 13th Sept. All entry fee profits going to NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. Also plan to complete the 'virtual' half marathon in Sept to mark the day itself!