I knew nothing of the  rhino poaching crisis until I first came to South Africa in 2013. Rhinos are being slaughtered across the country for their horn. This horn is made of keratin, the same stuff as our fingernails and toenails. It is believed in the Asian community that rhino horn has medicinal properties, IT DOESN'T. Education programmes are being undertaken to try to curb demand and educate the eastern population.  Prevention tactics, anti poaching teams and defence forces are being put in place around the country however deaths are still happening at a frightening rate. It continues to blow my mind how we, as a species, continue to destroy animals which have been on this planet a lot longer than we have - all for personal gain. Money and greed dominate our world, whilst rhinos (and many other animals) are collateral damage in this critical battle. I can't and won't sit by and do nothing, the next generation needs to be able to appreciate this magnificent species like all the generations before. Please help me to make a small difference.

The rhino poaching situation is reaching unthinkable and unimaginable heights, over 1500 animals poached last year and we believe that figure is underestimated. Orphans are being rescued around the country and the resources to help keep these amazing animals alive are minimal. I can't just sit by and watch it happen, none of us can if we want this species to be around in 10 years time.

My target is £5000 to go towards equipment needed to help diagnose illnesses, obstructions and conditions in animals being looked after at orphanages and rescue centres, animals that have lost their mother's to poachers or are victims of poaching themselves. It's equipment the vets desperately need but it's too expensive to provide by the centres doing this amazing work. This is where TESA come in - TESA is a respected and unique charity, one I have been involved with since I met the founder in South Africa over two years ago. They have their finger on the pulse with regards to what is needed where and they bust their balls to make it happen. The passion this charity has for these animals is insurmountable, I am desperate to help them achieve some ambitious goals and targets and help to make a difference in the fight against poaching.

How am I going to do this? I am going to shave my head, but only when I get to my target. I will film the event and post to Facebook and YouTube when it's done. I'm no marathon runner but this option to me is sacrificing a piece of me for something I love and want to help protect......it's my way of helping in a very small way and doing my bit to give the teams doing amazing work a fighting chance at success. 

Check out TESA's video on Youtube about the equipment they want to purchase and the work they do - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE7kzYsdO-I

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