Running for Raptors

This June, the Trust’s National Bird of Prey Hospital^TM Manager, Cedric Robert, will be attempting the Hampshire Hoppit Trail Marathon in a bid to raise enough money to fund the hospital for a whole month, £5,353!

“One of the most satisfying parts of my job is being able to give wild birds of prey a second chance at life. Being part of their recovery is a great responsibility as well as a great privilege.”

If you have had a chance to meet Cedric, or perhaps to hear one of his display commentaries, you will know that he is passionate about birds of prey and dedicated to the work that he undertakes in the hospital. This summer, however, he is taking this one step further (quite a few steps in fact) as he has decided to take on the challenge of running the Hampshire Hoppit.

Cedric’s introduction to the Hawk Conservancy Trust followed an extensive interest in wildlife and the natural world.  Previously, Cedric was a marketing apprentice in his homeland of France, and worked part-time in a pet shop. He knew his future was working with animals, though, and so came to the Trust for work experience, going on to join the staff team in 2005.

Cedric will be running the Hampshire Hoppit on Sunday 9 June. Cedric chose this race in particular because he loves the Hampshire countryside.  The rough terrain certainly makes it the ultimate challenge for runners.

Having completed five marathons to date, you’d think Cedric may be a little more confident with this challenge but he is approaching this one in the same way as all previous attempts, though with the added challenge that he wants to beat all previous times he’s recorded and finish in less than 3 hours and 40 minutes. Cedric will be training 3-4 times a week and began his regime at the end of February.

£5,353 would have a significant impact on what the Trust can achieve in its rehabilitation work. For example, this sort of amount could provide funding for the following:

• £10 could provide the food a rescued bird would need for a week’s stay in the hospital
• £25 could fund an x-ray for an injured bird
• £35 could help an injured or starving owl recover in our hospital
• £40 could fund the anaesthesia for a bird requiring an operation
• £176 could cover the average costs of running the hospital for one day
• £321 could cover the average costs of caring for and treating a single patient in our hospital

If you would like to donate to support Cedric’s marathon, simply go to www.justgiving.com/cedric-robert2

Thank you