Fundraiser for Yorkshire raptor rescuer nears target

A Yorkshire birder is raising funds for Jean Thorpe Wildlife Rescue by running a half marathon at the end of April.

After completing fundraising challenges for Common Swifts, European Turtle Doves and Roseate Terns as well as for various illegally hunted species on the Mediterranean flyways in recent years, Mark Pearson is hoping to raise £5,000 for Jean's ongoing and entirely voluntary work.

Jean's efforts have saved countless wild birds and animals over the years, and she is the go-to rescue and rehabilitator throughout Yorkshire, a county plagued by wildlife crime and raptor persecution. However, to continue helping her patients – from Peregrine Falcons and Red Kites to Eurasian Otters and Badgers – she needs the funds to do so. Mark is 85% of the way towards his target with only a couple of weeks to go.

Jean Thorpe is well known for rehabilitating raptors, but also cares for other wildlife including Eurasian Otters.

Mark said: "Here in Yorkshire, Jean Thorpe is a hero to many (including me) and a saviour of our wild birds in desperate need of rehabilitation. She voluntarily gives everything to nurse an ever-increasing cast of injured raptors and other wildlife, often victims of persecution and cruelty, back to the wild. I'm running my first (and probably last!) Half Marathon at the end of April to help make a small contribution to her Herculean efforts. Any contribution will help save our beleaguered birds of prey - thank you for anything!"

You can donate to the fundraiser at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/RaptorRun.