A 12-year-old schoolboy from Surrey is set to cycle all the way from Woking to Switzerland to raise money for endangered pangolins.
Izzak Yeoman is making the trip with his dad Gregory, from Staines-on-Thames, from the WWF-UK’s head office to the international office overseas.
The 965kilometer epic challenge will take the father and son two weeks and they’re making the trip to raise awareness and funds for the charity’s work on the Illegal Wildlife Trade.
Izaak said he has chosen to raise money for pangolins, because “They’ve been my favourite animal for quite a long time and I read about someone who rode 5 miles to raise money for an animal. So, I thought why don’t I do that for pangolins because they’re really endangered”.
“Lots of people don’t know what a pangolin is but they are very important in the areas they live and because of the poaching they could go extinct very soon,” he added.
Izaak was particularly moved when he learnt how pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world.
Up to 62,800 pangolins are estimated to be traded each year, with over a million killed in the last decade. This is largely to supply demand in east Asia for meat and scales, which are used in tonics and traditional medicines.
With help from supporters, the pair are hoping to raise £5,000 for the WWF.
And Izaak’s even managed to get English broadcaster and natural historian, Sir David Attenborough on board his campaign.
“I wrote just to tell him about what I was doing because he is an ambassador for WWF so it seemed fitting to tell him,” he said.
Responding to Izaak’s letter sir Attenborough said he was impressed and wished him success.
“I am impressed by your dedication to help protect pangolins… I wish you every success with your ride,” Sir David Attenborough wrote.
The ride scheduled to begin on July 22nd to and end on August 5th would be the longest ride for the 12-year-old. His longest ride before now is a ride from Reading to Bath along the Kennet and Avon canal.
you can get updates on the trip from @redlinexped on Twitter.
Pangolins live in Africa and Asia. There are eight species and they are all endangered.
