Our Co-Founder, Duncan, is running the 2024 London Marathon to support WWF's mission to protect our planet's incredible wildlife.
No matter how much people try to ignore it, we all know deep down the climate crisis poses a real and immediate threat to our planet and future.
Duncan is taking to the streets of London to transform hope into action. For more than 60 years, WWF has worked to help people and nature thrive. It seeks solutions to ensure our planet's habitats and wildlife survive and thrive for future generations. But its efforts need our collective one to become a reality.
We're calling on our incredible community and beyond to support Duncan, who will run just over 26 miles for a cause far beyond the finish line. Regardless of size, every donation will support WWF-UK's vital work to protect our planet.
We caught up with Duncan (good job he was stationary) to talk all things future generations,
fundraising, and finish lines.
Hi Duncan! The race is on for the big race! What inspired you to take on the challenge of
the London Marathon specifically for WWF?
I’ve always enjoyed and taken part in running and marathons, but running for WWF
adds a deeper purpose to the challenge.
My travels have led me to some of the most amazing places in the world, and I've had the
privilege of encountering wildlife like tigers, leopards, lions, and gorillas.
Seeing animals in the wild made me realise the urgency of their protection: endangered species should thrive, not just survive.
I also want to give my two daughters the chance to have the same experience as me. So,
running for WWF is about raising awareness and funds for our charity partner, but also
preserving our world for our children and their children.
Running a marathon is a significant physical and mental challenge. How are you
preparing for the marathon? How does this journey reflect the values of Zen
Training for a marathon is something I really enjoy. It tests you mentally and physically, but this can have fantastic benefits in helping improve many other aspects of life and work. Focusing on why I'm running, for the environment and my loved ones, keeps me pushing
forward.
We always encourage Team Zen to think about and reflect on their 'why.' The 'why' can bring us back to our initial ambition and really motivate us.
WWF focuses on conserving nature and reducing the most pressing threats to the
diversity of life on Earth. Can you share a personal experience that deepened your
commitment to environmental conservation and made you choose WWF as your charity
for the marathon?
Travelling definitely gave me the chance to witness the beauty of our planet and its inhabitants firsthand. Whale watching in Sydney took me back to when I was 5 or 6 years old. I remember reading a lot about whales being hunted to near extinction in the mid-80s.
WWF has been actively working to protect whales for 50 years. In 1984, they helped to convince the world to ban commercial whaling.
My desire to preserve these wonders for my daughters and future generations has deepened my commitment to environmental conservation.
WWF's efforts in recovering endangered species and preserving natural habitats resonate
deeply with me.
Animals play a pivotal role in the health and diversity of an ecosystem. When a species goes
extinct, it isn't that the world hasn't been able to save an animal; it's that we lose the natural
protectors of the world.
Finally, what message do you hope to send to the community—both within Zen
Fundraising and beyond—through your participation in the marathon, and what impact
do you hope your fundraising will achieve for WWF?
Beyond encouraging donations to this fantastic charity, my goal is to inspire a moment
of reflection and encourage everyone to protect the one planet we have. This could be through shopping sustainably, planting trees, or supporting a cause like WWF.
Being co-founder of a fundraising consultancy, I strongly believe in unity and spreading the joy of giving, along with sharing the deeper wisdom about the particular causes we support.
Thanks so much, Duncan, and best of luck to you, from all of us at Zen Fundraising.
Please join us in showing support. Every donation to Duncan's fundraising page drives WWF-UK's vital conservation efforts, making a difference in the fight against the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.
This is a chance to stand with and cheer on Duncan and WWF, so let's make these last few
weeks count and show the world the power of collective action.
Here's the link you need to support the cause and make a difference today: