WILDHEART ANIMAL SANCTUARY STAFF TO CLIMB MOUNTAINS IN AID OF BEAR RESCUE MISSION

A trio of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary employees are to take on the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of their mission to rescue 2 European Brown Bears from Azerbaijan. Earlier this year the Sandown-based sanctuary announced their intention to rescue 2 European Brown Bears, Benji and Balu from a life of misery in Azerbaijan. The support from the public and local businesses has been overwhelming and the Sanctuary has already raised over £65,000 of their target of £150,000 which is needed to build the new bear habitat. Work on the habitat has already begun but there is still a long way to go. The determined team consists of the Sanctuary’s COO, Lawrence, and big cat carers, Mary and Sandra. They will be climbing three mountains – Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon in Wales in just 24 hours – a 23-mile walk, with a total ascent of 3,064 metres. The walk will take place on 20th June. The trio will be supported by Dan, a local businessman who will be giving up his time to transport the team between each mountain. At a total distance of 462 miles, Dan will certainly be facing his own test of endurance as he drives across the country. Big cat carer, Mary, said:

“We were going to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge several years ago to raise money for the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. We had begun our training but unfortunately due to the pandemic our plans were ruined. “Fast forward years later, Sandra and I were approached by our COO, Lawrence, who asked if we would like to try again and take on the Three Peaks in aid of our bear rescue. We couldn’t refuse! And we managed to twist his arm to join us. We began our training in February, which has included several practice mountain treks, lots of after work hikes, and many, many squats!”

It will take dedication and skill to complete this challenge. Can you support the Wildheart team? Donate today on their JustGiving page.

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