Last year I started raising money through a page set up in memory of my nephew - and people were incredibly generous. Chris loved sport and competition more than most, so it feels right to continue with another physical and psychological challenge...

Swimming the channel, albeit in a relay, is not going to be easy. The idea was not my own and the team of 6 comprises men and (mostly) women that work in zoos and conservation (apart from old friend and colleague and ex-Royal Marine, Dante). So, as well as raising money again for St. Michael's Hospice (see linked page http://www.justgiving.com/Chris-Rowley) I am after your support for a specific Asian elephant conservation programme run by the Zoological Society of London.

Only 3500 free-ranging elephants remain in Thailand and human-elephant conflict is now a major issue. This programme aims to restore and protect the forest ecosystem of Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary; a crucial part of the Western Forest Conservation Complex, whilst developing sustainable occupations for local people. This forest complex is the single most important conservation area for wild elephants in Thailand.

Since I get to work with elephants in captivity on a very regular basis, I have come to appreciate what extraordinary animals they are, and why humans have been enthralled by them (and their ancestors) pre-history. As someone passionate about biodiversity I can't help but feel that the extinction of Asian elephants (a very real prospect within the next few human generations) would signal a pivotal moment of failure in our efforts to conserve species other than us!

So, if that's not too fluffy for you, and you donated to St Michael's last year, or you feel able to donate to both causes...

ZSL, for whom I work, is a charity dedicated to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. The society's programme in Thailand needs funds and your donation could make a real difference to the lives of the people and elephants in the region, allowing them to live sustainably alongside each other.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you.