Salopian Raises Funds to Support Wildlife Rangers in Kenya

A Shrewsbury pupil is undertaking an extraordinary fundraising challenge to support wildlife rangers protecting endangered animals in Kenya.

Max S (LVI, Severn Hill) has set himself the ambitious goal of raising funds to improve living conditions for rangers working in the Chyulu Hills, an important conservation area that protects wildlife including rhinoceros and elephants.

Max’s commitment to conservation began at the age of ten, when he spent 48 hours alone in the Kenyan bush alongside rangers from the Mara Elephant Project, raising awareness and support for their work protecting elephants from poaching.

Six years later, Max returned to Kenya and spent a further five days alone tracking rhinoceros with rangers in the Chyulu Hills, often walking up to 20 kilometres a day in extremely hot, dry and dusty conditions. Experiencing first-hand the demanding conditions in which the rangers live and work inspired him to take further action.

Determined to help, Max launched a fundraising campaign to renovate the ranger camp where he stayed. Thanks to a supporter who has pledged to match every donation, each contribution will have double the impact.

To complete the challenge, during the Easter holidays Max will return to the Chyulu Hills, where he will attempt to walk the length of the conservation area alongside two rangers, carrying all of his own food and camping equipment, with water supplied only at nightly campsites.

Max said:

“Living and working alongside the rangers showed me just how demanding their job is. They spend long days protecting wildlife and then return to very basic camps. I wanted to raise funds to improve those conditions so they can continue their vital work protecting Kenya’s wildlife.”

Naomi Pritchard, Shrewsbury's Head of Charities and Volunteering, said:

"Well done Max for creating awareness for such an incredible cause, this is a truly remarkable feat and one which will no doubt inspire others to contribute positively to the world around them.  We wish Max all the very best of luck this Easter as he takes on the challenge of walking the entire length of the conservation area."

Anyone wishing to support Max’s fundraising campaign can learn more here.