Durrell is delighted to announce that their first-ever Virtual Durrell Dasher has raised an incredible £11,000 for the charity’s work saving species from extinction. Thanks to the kind support of their sponsor, Rathbones, the Durrell Dasher was able to go ahead virtually despite the local race being cancelled last year due to restrictions on events.
Throughout December, runners across the island and further afield took to the roads to run or walk 6K, with many embracing the Christmas theme by completing the distance in festive fancy dress.
Alexandra Shears, Durrell’s Director of Communications and Fundraising, says, “We are so grateful to all the runners for signing up and being part of the Virtual Durrell Dasher. Their amazing efforts are helping to support Durrell's vital work protecting threatened wildlife and restoring precious habitats across the globe. We are already looking forward to the next Durrell Dasher, thanks to the continued support of Rathbones, and we hope that islanders will choose to take part this festive fun run once again.”
Special prizes have been awarded to Cat Davies, the highest individual fundraiser, and the Dawdling Dodos for the highest fundraiser team. Prizes for the best-dressed Dashers were given to Ben Videgrain for completing the 6K run in a Christmas elf outfit, and to Alison, Ashley, Neil, and Paulina for their Christmas tree costumes.
Highest fundraiser, Cat Davies, says, “Thank you so much for organising the event and making it happen despite all that 2020 threw at us! I had completely fallen off the bandwagon with my exercising and this gave me the motivation to sort myself out. Now I’m back to going out running two or three times a week and I definitely wouldn’t be without the Dasher, and I’m feeling so much happier and healthier.”
The event team is pleased to confirm that the Durrell Dasher 2021, sponsored by Rathbones, will take place on Sunday 5thDecember.