As a charity, our work relies on the generosity of supporters who donate to us. There are many ways that you can support us, whether giving regularly, visiting us or organising a fundraiser of your own, but it all helps us care for sick and injured birds of prey who come into our Raptor Hospital.
Our staff are dedicated to our cause as well, so when Izzy and Mat decided to sign up for a 10km run, they knew exactly which charity they would support.
The Colchester Stampede has been an annual fundraising event for a number of years, and gives runners a unique opportunity to run past the Rhinos, Elephants and Giraffes at Colchester Zoo at the start and end points of the course, with the middle section taking place on surrounding closed roads through the Essex countryside. Every year, runners race to clock up a personal best, raise funds for a charity close to their hearts, and have some fun along the way.
Izzy and Mat have been in training for this event since signing up 5 months ago, and have impressed all the staff and volunteers here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary with their dedication. Some of our birds got involved too, with Rafiki our African Spotted Eagle Owl becoming their coach and joining them on some short running laps around the Flying Ground!
They even dressed for the occasion in hand made owl wings, created by fellow falconer Dolly and her sister Flossie.
Here’s their account of the race!
Race day arrived and we were both excited and nervous in equal measure. It was a colder morning at Colchester Zoo, so our tailor-made owl wings came in handy to keep us warm!
It was amazing to start the race running past the tigers and elephants, we managed to set a good pace and very much enjoyed the positive energy from all the other runners.
As the kilometres passed and we started to tire, we had a lovely chap playing music from his backpack that reignited our energy levels.
The last part of the race is a steep hill, just before you arrive back at the zoo and that was a huge test for both of us.
We struggled up the hill, made it back to the zoo, said hi to the elephants again, and the awaiting finish line!
Between them, Izzy and Mat smashed their target of £600 before race day, and donations are still coming in now that they have been presented with their medals! If you would like to donate to their cause, please see their fundraising page.
