Tiger tiger, burning bright…

…are you ready for a terrible fright??

A couple of months ago, I became aware of a slightly unconventional evening event at London Zoo this August. Given that it brings together three of my favourite things – running, being naked, and (large) felines – signing up was always going to be a bit of a no-brainer. When I finally got round to doing it earlier this week, I discovered that not only is there a registration cost, you’re also expected to raise a minimum of £150 in sponsorship. The money will support ZSL’s ongoing work with tigers.

I feel like a bit of a hypocrite writing this, because I’m not generally big on giving to animal charities. The prevention of animal cruelty and the protection of endangered species are both worthwhile causes, but I look at the work done by the likes of Freedom from Torture, WaterAid, and Rape Crisis, and find it very hard to justify prioritising animal issues over human ones when choosing which charities to support.

However, I know that other people feel very differently, and having committed to the fundraising target I certainly ought to make at least some effort to reach it. For that reason, I’ve set up a Just Giving page, which you can find here. If you love tigers, or value the work done by ZSL, or just like the idea of sponsoring me to get naked, please head over there and add your name to the list. If I manage to raise more than £150, I’ll get someone to take a photo of me at the event, in my tiger mask, and post it here afterwards as proof.

And for anyone who wants to watch me get my kit off and race around London Zoo, there are spectator tickets available for 15 quid. I’ll only judge you a little bit…