The CEO of Lancashire Wildlife Trust completed a challenging five-day, 100km run across Lancashire today to raise money for the organisation.
Tom Burditt journeyed 20km a day across Lancashire’s wild landscapes, including a Preston leg last week, to raise £3,000 for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
Tom’s run across rugged nature reserves, coastal paths, and countryside trails highlighted the Step Up for Wildlife appeal, which aims to protect and restore wildlife habitats under threat.
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The epic challenge began on March 24 and saw the CEO running from Cuerden Valley to Brockholes during Thursday 27 March, as well as from Witton Park to Brockholes on Tuesday.
Tom said: “I am delighted and proud to have completed 100km for the Step Up for Wildlife appeal.
“Everyone who has supported my run will have helped the appeal to get incredibly close to its £300K target, and this has been hugely beneficial to the Lancashire Wildlife Trust and wildlife in our region.”
Tom admitted his knees ached during the course, but said he was grateful to supporters and colleagues for keeping him company during the run – including the Trust’s chair Chris Davies.
“Running with people certainly adds a spring to your step, but the bits on my own also gave me a chance to appreciate nature – skylarks have been a lovely soundtrack at times.”
Tom’s marathon route included Warton Crag Nature Reserve, Heysham Nature Reserve, Foxhill Bank, the Witton House Greenhouse Project, Merseyside reserves, Astley Moss and Wigan Flashes.
The £300,000 Step Up for Wildlife appeal is the largest fundraiser in the trust’s history to halt wildlife degradation in Lancashire through supporting bird populations, nurturing wetlands, and educating school children about nature recovery.
Tom said: “This challenge isn’t just about running; it’s about stepping up for wildlife and protecting these landscapes and the wildlife that live in them.”
You can donate to Tom’s challenge via the Wildlife Trust website.
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