On 19 May, Noah's Ark Park Ranger Matthew Willey will embark on his third Great Bristol Run. This year, however, he’s taking his commitment to a whole new level by donning an ostrich costume.
Covering a distance of 13.1 miles, Matt's decision to represent Noah’s Ark in the race is not only a testament to his dedication but also aims to raise funds for the charity.
Ostrich, known for their remarkable speed and endurance, can run continuously at speeds of 30-37 mph and sprint up to 43 mph. With their long, powerful legs allowing them to cover more than 10 feet in a single stride, Matt is poised to turn heads and test his mettle against the formidable bird's abilities.
Matthew Willey commented, “My main goal is to help raise awareness for any charities that inspire to make a better future. Therefore, I’ll be running the Bristol half marathon in an ostrich costume to help raise awareness of all the great work Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is doing to help endangered animals.”
Willey continued “I’m thrilled to represent Noah’s Ark in this year’s Bristol Half Marathon and to do so in such a unique way. The ostrich costume is not just a fun challenge for me; it’s also a symbol of the incredible work Noah’s Ark does for our community. I hope to raise awareness and support for this cause while pushing my own limits.”
Image: Matthew Willey dressed as an ostrich
The Zoo now has over 100 species of animals including several species classified as ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, including African elephants, Andean bears, Siamang gibbons and White Rhino. In addition, the Zoo has a strong focus on native conservation including the conservation of native Farm Animals and in 2022 received their Rare Breeds Survival Trust accreditation. The Rare Farm Breeds program at Noah’s Ark aims to support the survival of rare breed British Farm animals for future generations.
Another member of the Noah’s Ark team, Guy Walker, Trustee of the charity, will also be participating in the Bristol Half Marathon alongside a group of 22 friends and family. Guy's journey has been one of resilience; after being diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2023 he is now on the path to recovery. Guy’s recovery run has already hit their target and raised £5,000 for a microvascular training station for the Head and Neck unit at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, enabling them to continue their life-saving work.
Noah’s Ark invite everyone to join them in supporting their fundraising efforts and championing their spirit of determination and goodwill. Good luck to all running the Bristol Half and 10K!
Matthew Willey’s Just Giving Page
Guy Walker’s Recovery Run Page
For more information on how to support Matt and Guy's fundraising efforts or to learn more about Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, please visit the Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm website.
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