Secret World Wildlife Rescue will celebrate its 25^th anniversary in 2017 by launching the Silver Challenge, an ambitious series of 40 endurance events in partnership with long-time corporate partner Diverse Fine Food in an effort to raise £80,000.

Founded as Bluebell Sett in 1992, the wildlife charity has planned a number of events for its silver jubilee year as it moves towards the next stage of its development with significant on-site changes designed to cope with the increasing demands of wildlife rescue in the Somerset area.

Diverse Fine Food directors Mark Wiltshire and Nicki Stewart have long been corporate supporters of Secret World and regularly take part in endurance challenges throughout the year.

Mark explained: “We had planned to mark my 40^th birthday this year by taking part in 40 challenges and raising money for charity in the process.

“We contacted Secret World to tell them about our idea, and as it turns out, they themselves are marking an important birthday next year, their silver anniversary. They got on board immediately and the Silver Challenge was born.”

“Nicki and I will be competing in all 40 of the events and we will also be involving our staff, customers and suppliers across the 12-month campaign.”

The Silver Challenge starts in February with the Longleat 10K, and encompasses a variety of events across the UK and some further afield like the Berlin Marathon and the New Zealand Ironman. Many of the events are closer to home in the South West.

Through the Silver Challenge, Team Diverse has pledged to raise £40,000 for Secret World, who will co-ordinate the overall logistics of the project and encourage other supporters to take part in one or more event to help take the total project target to £80,000.

Nicki added: “We have already started drumming up support among our clients and suppliers and have already received pledges. We are confident that whilst ambitious, our fundraising target can be reached.”

David Foulds, CEO of Secret World Wildlife Rescue, said: “We are grateful for Diverse Fine Food’s continued support. When the company approached us with the idea, we immediately saw that it was a great way to celebrate our silver anniversary.

“We hope that the project will not only help us raise funds for our charity but also raise awareness of the work that we do. We care for more than 5,500 wild animals and birds each year and we couldn’t do it without our volunteers and supporters.”

If you are interested in taking part in the Silver Challenge or would like more information, please go to www.secretworld.org/silver-challenge or contact Jeremy Duxbury on 01278 768701.

Ends

Notes to editors:

About Secret World Wildlife Rescue

• Secret World Wildlife Rescue is a leading wildlife rescue charity (charity number 1097119)
• Secret World (or Bluebell Sett as it was then known) was founded in 1992 by Pauline Kidner.
• In 2005, Secret World Wildlife Rescue grew into a 24/7, 365 days a year wildlife rescue centre, caring for over 5,500 sick, injured and orphaned animals each year.

Sarah-Jane Freni
Account Director
Shooting Star
0117 3131120
sarahjane@weareshootingstar.co.uk

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