Luton man sets his sights on Icknield Way Trail to raise money for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

A man from Luton is hiking the length of the Icknield Way trail next week to raise money for Zoological Society Of London (ZSL).

Simon Hill volunteers for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and when he heard about the financial trouble both Whipsnade and London zoos were in, he wanted to do something to help.

On Sunday, August 9, he will be hiking the length of the Icknield Way trail covering 274km from Oxfordshire to Norfolk to raise money for ZSL.

The 27-year-old hopes to complete the hike in seven days, his target is £1,500 and he has already raised £500.

He said: "Growing up in Luton, Whipsnade Zoo holds a special place in my life. I've been a regular visitor since childhood and I now volunteer as both an Animal Keeper and an Engagement Volunteer with an ambition to one day work for ZSL.

"The current pandemic has put a huge strain on the zoo's vital services in both parks as well the vast conservation projects around the globe.

"Although the zoos are now open at lower capacity, the charity has lost around £8.5m since closure. To feed all the animals on a monthly basis costs around £43,500. Without further fundraising, this institution of conservation could be lost.

"The Icknield Way is the oldest known road in Britain, pre-dating Roman times, and is thought to have been the main trading route from the Dorset coast to Norfolk.

"Starting in Chinnor, Oxfordshire, I will be roughly following the Icknield Way cycling trail initially and then joining the path itself from Ivinghoe.

"From there, I will hike around Whipsnade itself and over the Downs, into Hertfordshire through Letchworth, across parts of Cambridgeshire eventually finishing at the end of the path in Thetford, Norfolk."

Simon, who is studying Animal Education at Shuttleworth College, will be posting updates throughout his journey and will be highlighting the various wildlife reserves along the way.

He added: "I thank you immensely for donating whatever you can during this difficult period. No donation is too small!"

To support Simon with his fundraising, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-hill92.