On Friday 3rd September 2021 a duo from The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country will be paddling, cycling and running a total of 90km on their journey to the centre of the Earth.

Their mission, which is expected to take over 12 hours, starts in Bridgnorth and travels through Stourport and Wolverhampton to the finish line at the Trust’s Centre of the Earth Environmental Education Centre.

Senior Engagement Officer Jake Williams, and Head of Engagement and Education Gareth Morgan have devoted their careers to inspiring people to connect with and learn about nature. But they’re taking their devotion one step further with an epic physical fundraising challenge! They have set a £3,000 target and are calling for donations to help nature’s recovery across Birmingham and theBlack Country.

Jake and Gareth are both keen cyclists; they regularly cycle to the office to keep fit and also to play their part in tackling climate change. As the skipper of the Trust’s recycled plastic punt The Poly Roger, Jake has taken up kayaking in in recent years whereas Gareth loves walking and particularly enjoys the challenge of a mountain hike.

They’ve been training for months, but even for these fitness fanatics this mega triathlon is going to a be a challenge. Jake said:

“I decided to take on this challenge because nature is such a huge part of my life, not just at work but in my own time too. Although we live in a really urban area there’s so much nature here – so much we need to protect.

"I was going to do the challenge solo but have convinced Gareth to join me and share in the pain!”

The Wildlife Trust will be sharing live updates on Jake and Gareth’s progress across their social media channels on the day and the whole team will be cheering them on at the finish line!

To make a donation, you can visit the team's JustGiving page or to share a message of support, use #TriathlonForNature on social media.