Saving the orangutan

I start 2019 with my first Marathon. Starting with the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 14th April 2019 where I will attempt the 26.2 miles in my day wheelchair supporting International Animal Rescue.

I was part paralysed in 2006 at the age of fifty. Facing a life in a wheelchair, I chose to fight preconceived ideas of just what was possible for someone who could feel nothing below their waist. There begin my story and the beginning of an extraordinary new life.

I love to be active outdoors, to learn, to figure out ways around challenges, and to share special experiences and journeys with friends and people from all walks of life. Life has taught me the importance of holding tight to belief, and never, ever giving up.

Animals are my life and give my life meaning. It is my hope that my life becomes everything it was destined for. Animal welfare is what I am passionate about. I would do anything to bring awareness of animal cruelty around the world today. I love promoting the fact that animals never need to suffer for our survival. And if I have to do this crazy Marathon of madness then here we go!

Although the marathon is long and will no doubt be painful, it was nothing compared to the pain and suffering endured by so many defenseless animals in the world today.

My motivation for taking part is simple after seeing the Iceland Christmas advertisement about the plight of orang-utans and the damage that humans are wreaking the natural habitat of the orang-utan. Every day 25 orang-utan die due to the destruction of the rainforest for the production of palm oil.

“Whilst Iceland Christmas advert sadly never made it to TV screens, consumers took to social media to view the film, which raises awareness of an important global issue.”

The plight of the orangutan in Indonesia has reached a critical stage, with the survival of the species under serious threat. Animals are suffering and dying because of the systematic destruction of the rainforest, primarily for palm oil production, particularly in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo.

What would you do if someone tries to demolish your house? You would put up a brave fight. This is exactly what this orangutan did when loggers tried to bulldoze its forest.

In the video below you will see this desperate orangutan frantically seeking refuge from the destructive power of the bulldozer; He is frantic; trying to save the trees he once called home. This machine has already decimated everything else around him.

The footage, which was shot in 2013, and released to the public just days ago by International Animal Rescue in order to raise awareness about the impact on deforestation orangutan habitat. Unfortunately, scenes like this are becoming more and more frequent in Indonesia. Deforestation has caused the orangutan population to plummet; habitats are destroyed and orangutans are left to starve and die. International Animal Rescue charity was able to rescue the orangutan and move it to safety.

International Animal Rescue team responds regularly to situations like these where an orangutan is stranded in the debris of the forest. Indonesia is a window to the horrendous reality, in which we are destroying the future of habitats on this planet.

Taking part in the Brighton Marathon, and supporting the International Animal Rescue has made me feel so, so proud, and I am incredibly glad that I made the decision to answer the call in saving the orangutan.

I hope to be able to help the charity buy the land required for the new orangutan island in Borneo; my hope is to raise £5,000 for the charity.

International Animal Rescue (IAR)
Saving animals from around the world, cutting free and caring for the dancing bears in India, rescuing orang-utans and other primates from traffickers in Indonesia, treating stray dogs and cats in developing countries and much more, where ever they can to help release animals back into the wild. And when that’s not possible, they give them a safe haven for life. For more info follow the link https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/

A personal message from the International Animal Rescue to all the  team runners in the Brighton Marathon

We are incredibly inspired by the dedication and determination of our wonderful team of supporters who are taking on The Brighton Half and Full Marathon in 2019 to raise money for our life-saving work.

It takes serious strength and endurance to take on a challenge like this, and we are immensely proud of our runners. It is thanks to people like them that our work can continue.

Around the world, animals endure unimaginable horrors every day. We work tirelessly to rescue and care for animals who urgently need our help. Our overall goal is a world where animals can live freely without pain and suffering in their natural habitat and in harmony with humans. This involves rescuing and rehabilitating suffering animals as well as protecting habitats and working to find long-term solutions.

Please support our runners as they undertake this enormous challenge. Every donation and every word of encouragement will push them closer to the finish line. Together, we can achieve remarkable things. Thank you!