The Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation (STEF) is on a critical mission to provide free veterinary care for elephants in Southern Thailand, a region where these majestic creatures are facing an urgent crisis. The Asian elephant is an endangered species, and without immediate action, their future hangs in the balance. STEF is dedicated to not only delivering hands-on veterinary care but also to educating the community about elephant welfare and conservation. I am a Trustee of this amazing organisation so am on a mission to help!

Since STEF's foundation at the end of 2017, the charity has made significant strides, including funding the construction of the first NGO elephant hospital in Southern Thailand—the STEF Veterinary Centre located in Khok Kloi. This facility serves as a beacon of hope for the local elephant community, but we cannot do this alone. Please help me to help these beautiful creatures.

On September 7th, 2025, I will be participating in the first of three personal running challenges to raise funds for this vital cause. My goal is to raise at least £350 to ensure that STEF continue our work and expand our efforts in protecting these incredible animals. The first challenge is the Denbies Half Marathon, a week later it is the Alfred Shrubb 10k and then in October I will be taking part in the challenging Beachy Head Marathon, and this is all part of my 70th birthday celebrations! If I complete these challenges I will be pleased but I definitely need some motivation and setting a fundraising target helps!! If YOU have ever been to Asia or Thailand and have derived pleasure from being close up to asian elephants, please bear in mind that these beautiful creatures have probably spent their entire lives in servitude to humans and can never be rewilded. Maybe it is time for you to give a little back in return for that early pleasurable experience, therefore I urge you to support me and to join me in this mission to improve the lives of working elephants—your support can make a real difference. Together, we can secure a brighter future for elephants in Southern Thailand.