In 2019 environmental events were too prevalent to ignore; from record breaking temperatures globally, to devastating wildfires, droughts, floods and cyclones...  Seemingly 2019 was the year the world woke up; from the Extinction Rebellion protests, to the Climate Strike , to Game Changers and Greta Thunberg being the youngest ever recipient of TIME’s Person of the Year. Concern has hit the mainstream. It’s a step in the right direction but steps are too slow; we are in the midst of a sixth mass extinction, the first to be caused by humans and one that is accelerating the rate of extinction by up to 10,000 times vs the natural rate.  

It may not trouble you that there are about 200 species going extinct every day, that there are only two Northern White Rhinos left walking this planet, or that there are 2000 lions in Kenya; you may want to carry on eating meat and cheese, or using plastic and flying everywhere , but when I look back over 2019 I can’t help but feel disappointed that I didn’t dedicate more time and energy to having a meaningful impact and trying to save this world before it’s too late.

For many years, I’ve watched the amazing work that The Born Free Foundation does, running projects in over 20 countries, across 9 areas including compassionate conservation, rescue and rehabilitation and education. And so in 2020, I want to take several steps to help raise awareness of, and funding for, an incredible charity who are trying to save our world, and sustain and nurture its habitats, wildlife and people. 

The plan is to swim, run, cycle, kayak, climb and hike my way though a minimum of 2020km across 20 challenges; 20 for 2020. Whilst the majority of these events will be unofficial and unsupported (life has a habit of going against one’s best laid plans), I will also be climbing Mount Kenya with Born Free in October. Other ideas include the 15 peaks, a kayak ultra, an Ironman 70.3, and a long distance cycle from London to Barcelona… 

To put the distance in perspective; for the geography enthusiasts, that's further than London to St. Petersburg; for the runners, 54 marathons  and for the step counters, about 3,120,000 steps … 

If you’ve read this far, thank you for giving me your time and attention. This is the part where I ask you for more, and to please help me help Born Free help our planet by giving anything you feel comfortable, and by sharing this page anywhere you can . Oh, and if you’d like to give your time, enthusiasm and grit and join me on a challenge, drop me a message, the more the merrier :)

Thank you, really, from me, Born Free, and from everyone and every animal they help.