Engaging people
GOING THE
EXTRA MILE
“We’d like to thank each and every one of you who has gone the extra mile for WWF”
Vickie Richards,
events team
“No one can resist the Panda!” So says one of our fabulous Team Panda fundraisers – the amazing, energetic supporters who put their all into training, running, cycling and many other activities for WWF. And their superhuman commitment to the cause doesn’t stop there – they also go to huge lengths to raise funds to support our work around the world.
The results speak for themselves: in 2015, Team Panda and our many other enthusiastic fundraisers raised nearly £500,000 – an incredible achievement!
As well as joining Team Panda at organised events, such as the Great North Run or RideLondon, our wonderful supporters have been taking up their own place in challenges, holding fun events such as bake sales – or even being sponsored for things like giving up chocolate!
Inspiration
One member of Team Panda whose story has really inspired us all here is Emma Litchfield, from Shaftesbury, Dorset. Emma ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon in memory of her brother Guy.
“WWF was my brother’s favourite charity,” says Emma. “After my family tragically lost Guy at the age of 22 in a mountain walking accident in 2012 we decided to adopt three animals a year in his memory.” She wanted to take her support for WWF a stage further: “So I applied for a place with Team Panda. Guy felt very strongly about all the conservation work WWF does and I wanted to continue to support a charity which had been so important to him.”
And how was her Team Panda experience? “Amazing. From the moment my place was confirmed I felt part of the team and received frequent support and advice in the build up to the event. The Team Panda supporters at the race were so loud and encouraging and definitely provided a huge boost to help me keep going – I was very proud to be a Panda on the day! After the race I felt such a sense of achievement and I knew my brother would have been so proud of me.”
We’re really proud of you, too, Emma. We’d like to thank you, and each and every one of you who has gone the extra mile for WWF.
In 2016 we’ll be at many of the UK’s biggest challenge events and roaring our runners and cyclists on. Go Team Panda!
