Perse pupils take it all in their stride to help wildlife appeal
Year 7 pupils put their best paws forward to support an Old Persean’s appeal to raise funds for a major wildlife conservation trust.
Lucy Chimes (2016) set herself the goal of trekking 259 kilometres in aid of Wildlife ACT, with whom she is working as an intern on conservation projects in South Africa, the distance marking the same number of rhinos poached in the country in the first half of 2022.
She achieved her Walk for Wildlife challenge with a series of hikes over a period of several months, culminating in a final 1km stroll on World Wildlife Day, which this year had the theme of ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’.
Inspired by her mission, Year 7 took part in a cumulative 259km sponsored trek, with each pupil striding around two kilometres at the Perse Upper site, to coincide with the conclusion of Lucy’s challenge.
The event took place as part of an animal-themed non-uniform day in aid of Wildlife ACT, while Year 7 youngsters also held fun stalls and games with a total of more than £3,000 being raised for the Walk for Wildlife appeal.
Perse Charities Co-ordinator Emma Kenzie said Year 7 had been excited about taking part after discovering more about Lucy’s work with the conservation organisation.
She said: “It’s been so nice to support an OP in doing something they are so passionate about for such a great cause.”
Lucy was thrilled with the response from The Perse in getting behind her Walk for Wildlife.
“Being a former pupil of the school and being so far away from home, it means so much to me to have them involved and to know that they were walking with me,” she said.
“I cannot express my thanks enough, particularly to Mrs Kenzie and the Year 7 pupils, for their amazing work. The amount that they have raised to support conservation has absolutely blown me away.”
To donate to Year 7’s Walk for Wildlife appeal, please click here.
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