Helen Moreton
Help me go ape In the Great Gorilla Run!
Fundraising for The Gorilla Organization
Story
On September the 25th I'll be one of 650 people running 7km/5 miles through central London in a full gorilla suit to raise funds for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Yes, really... I did say in a gorilla suit...
Why 650? Because that's how many mountain gorillas are left in the world. By sponsoring me you are, in a sense, sponsoring one of the last few mountain gorillas left in the world.
But the fund doesn't just help gorillas. They help the local people as well, funding education, better farming methods, and even hives for their bees! All of which protect the environment for both them and the gorillas.
You can find out more about the Dian Fossey Gorilla fund at: www.dianfossey.org
If you donate through this site Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. I'm hoping to raise over £500, so all donations, large or small, are very welcome! Many thanks for your support! ***10th of July*** I'm getting close to my first £100 pounds now. The person who takes me over it gets a mention in the next update *G*. ***15th August*** Thanks to Betty for taking me over the £100! I should be getting my suit very shortly! Meanwhile I'm training. I've been walk/jogging around Victoria Park on a regular basis, and I walked over 10 miles on Saturday. I was out for 3 hours and 40 minutes, including Hackney Marshes and the supermarket. Well, they say you should work exercise into your daily life... ***9th September*** Had a setback... I had a nasty encounter with a pothole and twisted my ankle. Since I was close to the hospital at the time I decided not to take an ambulance away from a possible major emergency, found a wooden post in a skip, and hobbled into casualty using it as a walking stick. Got to admit I was really hoping someone would offer to go get a wheelchair and come back for me since it was very painful, but no luck! Anyway, once at the hospital they told me I might have fractured it! I had a little while wondering if I'd be able to persuade someone to push me round on the 25th in a wheelchair (Believe me it would take more than a broken ankle to stop me!), but luckily the x-rays came back clear. I'm still using a crutch at the moment, but should be fit for the 25th! I've also posted some auctions on eBay. All my auctions are 10% to the Fund at the moment, but I'm also doing a few silly ones where 100% of what I make will go to the Fund. Here's the link for one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5998538400&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1 ***24th September*** Well, the run's tomorrow! First, thanks to people who have been making some very generous donations! I've been stunned and moved at how much total strangers have been willing to give support. Not sure who took me over the £200... but thanks! I've also learnt that there are actually 750 people signed up for the run! We are going to be attempting a world record for highest number of 'gorillas' in one place! I've got my suit and will be customising it today. Unfortunately my costume will be including the crutch... My ankle is a lot better, and I've been walking around without the crutch. But I find a mile is about tops before it starts really protesting, and it also feels like it could easily turn over again on rough ground. I could probably 'tough it out' and do the distance without it, but I'm telling myself to be sensible... The first run of auctions is over... really must work out the proceeds! I've also more offline donations to add! I'm now running a second hug auction, which is doing well! Please drop by: even if you don't want to bid, there's instructions there to put it on 'watch'. This could get it extra publicity! The auction is at: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7184177935 Thank You! ***26 September*** The day after! I now have my medal, having completed the Great Gorilla Run! The day started out overcast and humid. I arrived at the event already feeling pretty hot in my suit. Maybe wearing a fur gillet over a fur suit wasn't such a good idea... I made a few last adjustments to my mask (cutting more and more out of eyeholes, nose holes and mouth) as we waited to be called to the start. Loads of other people were doing the same. There were a great variety of costumes, including some I sadly didn't get good pictures of, such as the gladiator gorilla. Then we were called... we waited a while at the start, all doing gorilla hoots. Then a slow start, but the pace picked up as soon as we were through the gate. The first kilometre I was in the crowd. Getting used to the mask, occasionally getting jostled, seeing the reactions of tourists and supporters... At Tower Bridge I stopped several times to take pictures. Then I realised there was hardly another gorilla around! Worried I'd be left behind, I hurried after the few that were left. From then on I was chasing the last few all the way. I'd expected to do OK, crutch and all, as even with the crutch when I'm out and about I overtake quite a few people! But I don't know if it was wearing a suit as well or the pace people were going, but I was definitely among the slowest. Luckily a few kind people slowed a little to keep me company, but I did have to push it a bit. I'd stop to explain to a tourist (and sometimes get a donation), or take a pic, and have to rush to get back with the group. I got a picture of myself in front of what seemed to be a Bollywood film shoot. Got given a handful of nuts by some tourists (which I only realised were pistachios in the shell when I crunched them...). Took pictures of gorillas in the mist, gorillas in front of Tower Bridge, boxer gorillas... I spent a while with a mother and her son. At the half way point there was a water stop. We stopped to drink. I, and I think them too, drank a whole bottle and took another to carry with me. Soon after they pulled ahead a little, and I spent the last few kilometres with a group of baker gorillas. They were selling gorilla shaped gingerbread. I bought a couple. They were absolutely delicious, and really helped me keep going. By then I was beginning to feel the strain and really overheating. I did most of the last couple of kilometres with the head part of my costume off. The sun had come out by then, and I was feeling a little faint from the heat. My bad ankle was doing OK, but I was glad of the crutch to lean on! Finally, the finish! I was handed a banana and a goody bag. I took out the medal in it and got my picture taken at the finish. I looked around... we had thought there were some others behind us, but in the few minutes I was at the finish I didn't actually see anyone cross it. But then I wasn't always watching... I later talked to a couple of guys who thought they were the last. I remember seeing them sitting down at the finish a couple of minutes after I arrived. But I don't know if they were there before me or not! Anyway... I think I took about an hour and a half (didn't look what time it was until about half an hour after the finish!) Since I've heard people have taken up to two hours doing it in previous years, this year was a fast race! So I guess maybe being last isn't so bad! Afterwards, we hung out for a couple of hours at a local bar. I talked to loads of nice people, and drank amazing amounts of water. Half an hour after the finish I had felt my back, and realised the gillet was soaked through... sweat had soaked through the suit and it! If I do it next year, I don't think I'm wearing the gillet... Goody bags where given out for highest fundraiser, best dressed gorilla, etc. Gradually people left, so finally I decided it was really time to go home, get out of the costume and into a bath.... Today, my ankle is fine! It's a little sore, but not noticeably swollen. The rest of me is aching like mad though! Going that far on a crutch is not a very natural movement, and it does put a strain on a few muscles... It was fun though, and I feel I've achieved something. I think I may well do it again next year, though hopefully I'll be fitter! Now... anyone want to help me reach that fundraising target? I've got some more money to add when I've done the sums, but I've not got there yet... PS: eBay auction still running... read the last report for the link. I'm putting pictures up there! 18th Nov: The auctions raised £22.58 which has been added to my total. I've also got some sponsorship and a a very full collecting tin still to add but it's not enough! Last chance to help me reach my total folks!
Why 650? Because that's how many mountain gorillas are left in the world. By sponsoring me you are, in a sense, sponsoring one of the last few mountain gorillas left in the world.
But the fund doesn't just help gorillas. They help the local people as well, funding education, better farming methods, and even hives for their bees! All of which protect the environment for both them and the gorillas.
You can find out more about the Dian Fossey Gorilla fund at: www.dianfossey.org
If you donate through this site Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. I'm hoping to raise over £500, so all donations, large or small, are very welcome! Many thanks for your support! ***10th of July*** I'm getting close to my first £100 pounds now. The person who takes me over it gets a mention in the next update *G*. ***15th August*** Thanks to Betty for taking me over the £100! I should be getting my suit very shortly! Meanwhile I'm training. I've been walk/jogging around Victoria Park on a regular basis, and I walked over 10 miles on Saturday. I was out for 3 hours and 40 minutes, including Hackney Marshes and the supermarket. Well, they say you should work exercise into your daily life... ***9th September*** Had a setback... I had a nasty encounter with a pothole and twisted my ankle. Since I was close to the hospital at the time I decided not to take an ambulance away from a possible major emergency, found a wooden post in a skip, and hobbled into casualty using it as a walking stick. Got to admit I was really hoping someone would offer to go get a wheelchair and come back for me since it was very painful, but no luck! Anyway, once at the hospital they told me I might have fractured it! I had a little while wondering if I'd be able to persuade someone to push me round on the 25th in a wheelchair (Believe me it would take more than a broken ankle to stop me!), but luckily the x-rays came back clear. I'm still using a crutch at the moment, but should be fit for the 25th! I've also posted some auctions on eBay. All my auctions are 10% to the Fund at the moment, but I'm also doing a few silly ones where 100% of what I make will go to the Fund. Here's the link for one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5998538400&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1 ***24th September*** Well, the run's tomorrow! First, thanks to people who have been making some very generous donations! I've been stunned and moved at how much total strangers have been willing to give support. Not sure who took me over the £200... but thanks! I've also learnt that there are actually 750 people signed up for the run! We are going to be attempting a world record for highest number of 'gorillas' in one place! I've got my suit and will be customising it today. Unfortunately my costume will be including the crutch... My ankle is a lot better, and I've been walking around without the crutch. But I find a mile is about tops before it starts really protesting, and it also feels like it could easily turn over again on rough ground. I could probably 'tough it out' and do the distance without it, but I'm telling myself to be sensible... The first run of auctions is over... really must work out the proceeds! I've also more offline donations to add! I'm now running a second hug auction, which is doing well! Please drop by: even if you don't want to bid, there's instructions there to put it on 'watch'. This could get it extra publicity! The auction is at: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7184177935 Thank You! ***26 September*** The day after! I now have my medal, having completed the Great Gorilla Run! The day started out overcast and humid. I arrived at the event already feeling pretty hot in my suit. Maybe wearing a fur gillet over a fur suit wasn't such a good idea... I made a few last adjustments to my mask (cutting more and more out of eyeholes, nose holes and mouth) as we waited to be called to the start. Loads of other people were doing the same. There were a great variety of costumes, including some I sadly didn't get good pictures of, such as the gladiator gorilla. Then we were called... we waited a while at the start, all doing gorilla hoots. Then a slow start, but the pace picked up as soon as we were through the gate. The first kilometre I was in the crowd. Getting used to the mask, occasionally getting jostled, seeing the reactions of tourists and supporters... At Tower Bridge I stopped several times to take pictures. Then I realised there was hardly another gorilla around! Worried I'd be left behind, I hurried after the few that were left. From then on I was chasing the last few all the way. I'd expected to do OK, crutch and all, as even with the crutch when I'm out and about I overtake quite a few people! But I don't know if it was wearing a suit as well or the pace people were going, but I was definitely among the slowest. Luckily a few kind people slowed a little to keep me company, but I did have to push it a bit. I'd stop to explain to a tourist (and sometimes get a donation), or take a pic, and have to rush to get back with the group. I got a picture of myself in front of what seemed to be a Bollywood film shoot. Got given a handful of nuts by some tourists (which I only realised were pistachios in the shell when I crunched them...). Took pictures of gorillas in the mist, gorillas in front of Tower Bridge, boxer gorillas... I spent a while with a mother and her son. At the half way point there was a water stop. We stopped to drink. I, and I think them too, drank a whole bottle and took another to carry with me. Soon after they pulled ahead a little, and I spent the last few kilometres with a group of baker gorillas. They were selling gorilla shaped gingerbread. I bought a couple. They were absolutely delicious, and really helped me keep going. By then I was beginning to feel the strain and really overheating. I did most of the last couple of kilometres with the head part of my costume off. The sun had come out by then, and I was feeling a little faint from the heat. My bad ankle was doing OK, but I was glad of the crutch to lean on! Finally, the finish! I was handed a banana and a goody bag. I took out the medal in it and got my picture taken at the finish. I looked around... we had thought there were some others behind us, but in the few minutes I was at the finish I didn't actually see anyone cross it. But then I wasn't always watching... I later talked to a couple of guys who thought they were the last. I remember seeing them sitting down at the finish a couple of minutes after I arrived. But I don't know if they were there before me or not! Anyway... I think I took about an hour and a half (didn't look what time it was until about half an hour after the finish!) Since I've heard people have taken up to two hours doing it in previous years, this year was a fast race! So I guess maybe being last isn't so bad! Afterwards, we hung out for a couple of hours at a local bar. I talked to loads of nice people, and drank amazing amounts of water. Half an hour after the finish I had felt my back, and realised the gillet was soaked through... sweat had soaked through the suit and it! If I do it next year, I don't think I'm wearing the gillet... Goody bags where given out for highest fundraiser, best dressed gorilla, etc. Gradually people left, so finally I decided it was really time to go home, get out of the costume and into a bath.... Today, my ankle is fine! It's a little sore, but not noticeably swollen. The rest of me is aching like mad though! Going that far on a crutch is not a very natural movement, and it does put a strain on a few muscles... It was fun though, and I feel I've achieved something. I think I may well do it again next year, though hopefully I'll be fitter! Now... anyone want to help me reach that fundraising target? I've got some more money to add when I've done the sums, but I've not got there yet... PS: eBay auction still running... read the last report for the link. I'm putting pictures up there! 18th Nov: The auctions raised £22.58 which has been added to my total. I've also got some sponsorship and a a very full collecting tin still to add but it's not enough! Last chance to help me reach my total folks!