IN BRIEF
MAKE A DATE TO JOIN THE
RACE FOR LIFE IN WIRRAL VISITORS TO CHESTER ZOO
HIT RECORD HIGH
People in Wirral are being encouraged to get January off
to a great start by making a date to join Cancer Research
UK’s Race for Life. Already the UK’s most popular zoo, the new total of
1,969,768 visitors in 2018 sets an all-time high in the
attraction’s 88-year history - 4% up on its previous best
in 2016.
As an added incentive, there’s 30% off entry fees during January with
the code RFL30. This year, for the first time, Cancer Research UK is
inviting everyone in the area – women, men and children - to join the
Race for Life. There are events for people of all ages and abilities taking
place at Birkenhead Park on 29 June and 30 June.
Polly O’Gorman, Cancer Research UK’s North West Event Manager,
said: “Our Race for Life events are fun, colourful, emotional and
uplifting. They help people with cancer by raising money for research,
including clinical trials which give patients in Wirral access to the latest
treatments. You don’t have to be sporty to take part. You don’t need to
train or compete against anyone else. All you need to do is go to the
Race for Life website, pick an event, sign up and then have fun raising
money in whatever way you like.”
She continued: “The Race for Life is a powerful, inspirational
movement which unites participants in Wirral with people across the
North West and the whole of the UK. Taking part in our Race for Life
events enables like-minded people to get together and remember loved
ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those who have survived.
At the same time, they are helping to make a difference to people with
cancer, right now. Our Race for Life events have been women-only
since they started, over 25 years ago. But we now feel the time is right
to open them up so that everyone - women, men and children – has
the chance to participate together. One in two people in the UK will
be diagnosed with cancer, at some point during their lifetime. Sadly,
this means nearly everyone is touched by the disease, either directly
or through a loved one or friend. To make a significant difference
in the fight against cancer we need to harness as much energy and
commitment as possible – so what better way than involving everyone
in the community in our events.”
To enter Race for Life today, visit raceforlife.org or
call: 0300 123 0770.
10 wirrallife.com
Zoo conservationists have issued a public thank you to supporters,
with income generated on the gate contributing to the wildlife
charity’s vital work to protect endangered species worldwide.
The zoo saw an unprecedented number of rare animal births in
2018. From the UK’s first ever sun bear cub to the birth of a critically
endangered rhino calf, conservationists at the zoo have successfully
bred some of the world’s most highly threatened animals.
The zoo’s conservationists also achieved a number of high profile
breakthroughs and successes in the wild, from the ground-breaking
discovery of bongo in Uganda in 2018 to the rescue of 100 songbirds
from the illegal wildlife trade and conservation support for UK native
species like pine martens in Wales. Chester Zoo bosses have stated
that funds generated from the record-breaking visitor figures will
enable it to continue to prevent extinction in 2019.
Jamie Christon, Chief Operating Officer at the zoo, said: “The whole
zoo team would like to thank every single visitor that walked through
our gates in 2018, helping us to prevent extinction around the world.
We are fighting to ensure a future of an array of animals and plants
– both here in Chester and through 80 vital conservation projects,
spanning 30 different countries. These global initiatives use the latest
scientific research, animal welfare knowledge and technical knowhow
to ensure the survival of many of the world’s most at-risk species.
Importantly, they also support local communities living side-by-side
with the animals, ensuring they feel completely invested in protecting
the amazing biodiversity around them. None of this would be possible
without the fantastic support of our visitors and members.”
With more than 20,000 animals from 500 different species, the zoo
is widely acclaimed as the best in the UK and is the country’s most
visited attraction outside London.