Get fit and help the planet
Kerry Priest, a fitness coach and personal trainer from Cornwall, will attempt to set a female record for running the entire Cornish Coastal Path next year, all in aid of Earthwatch. Proceeds from the run will be used to help Earthwatch protect endangered leatherback turtles and their eggs from damage and poaching. She also hopes to spend two weeks during next year's laying season personally helping to protect the eggs.
Kerry said: "The leatherback turtle is a critically endangered species, so much so it could become extinct in our lifetime. Turtles are wonderful creatures and I thought there is a connection between coastal running and the turtle as a coastal animal so it was cause to help."
As part of her training Kerry is running the coastal path in a number of sections, and last month came third in a 6k 'Sunset Surf' women's race, raising £230 for Earthwatch in the process.
Another supporter running for Earthwatch is Mark Harrison, a TV producer from London, who hopes to raise £1,500 to participate on a coral reef conservation expedition. Mark, who will run the London 10k (Oct 8th) and the Gosport Half Marathon (Nov 17th), started training five months ago, and is now running 10 miles two to three times a week.
"A few months ago I wasn't very fit and I'm quite nervous about doing the half-marathon," admitted Mark. "You have do to something that you're passionate about to overcome obstacles. I'm a trained rescue diver and have always loved the sea - it's something that's been close to my heart since I was a child."
If just the thought of running anywhere makes you break into a sweat, there are other, less physically demanding ways to raise funds for your dream expedition. From quiz nights to zebra-themed parties, click here for an A-Z list of motivational ideas. And asking your friends and family for support is easier than ever, with websites such as http://www.justgiving.com/ and http://www.givenow.org/ making online donations simple. Good luck!
©Emily May