Since 2015, I have been entering events to raise money for Save The Rhino International. It’s about time for another challenge, so I’ve decided to embark on Beyond The Ultimate’s 230km ultra marathon across Arctic Sweden.

Having completed one ultra previously, I know that this will be no easy feat for my feet (and the rest of my body). The race is entirely self-sufficient, meaning a start line with the additional weight of a small two year old on my back. Additionally, the arctic conditions will make the trek even harder, with temperatures reaching as low as -40°C and the course covering snow covered fields, icy forests and frozen lakes. 

I am currently asking for fundraising to support the incredible work of Save The Rhino International. The following statistics illustrate the importance of their work:

- Between 2007 and 2014, rhino poaching in South Africa increased by 9000%

- In the last decade, more than 7245 African rhinos have been poached

- On average, 3 rhinos a day are killed for their horn across Africa

- Black rhino populations declined by 96% between the 1970s and mid 1990s. Numbers are slowly increasing thanks to conservation efforts but the species remains as Critically Endangered, with the Western Black Rhino sub-species being declared extinct in 2013.

- More than 1000 rangers worldwide have lost their lives at the hands of poachers 

- Ivory and rhino horn are gaining popularity as a source of income for criminal groups, including some of Africa’s most notorious armed groups, such as Somalia’s al-Shabab, the Lord’s Resistance Army (L.R.A.), and Darfur’s janjaweed.

I am hoping to reach my fundraising target not only to be able to help protect one of the most threatened creatures on our planet but to also reach a personal milestone of raising £8000 for rhino conservation through running events. Every penny counts and will help to spur me on through the long, lonely and sometimes painful hours of this event and I am grateful for all donations in making a difference to both rhinos and those working hard to keep them alive.