TWO friends will be going the extra mile - or 200 - to raise money to support Chester Zoo.
The zoo made the shock announcement this week that it faced an uncertain future as it was not allowed to reopen - unlike some other attractions and business in England.
Bosses launched the Save Our Zoo campaign on Wednesday and revealed the attraction was “at risk of extinction” and could end the year £24 million in debt as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hayley Shaw worked at the zoo for two years
Hayley Shaw, 22, of Leeswood, worked at the zoo for two years and says she is baffled and concerned that the zoo is not able to reopen - despite social distancing measures being put in place at the 128-acre site.
Hayley, along with her friend Ffion Williams, 23, who lives in Buckley, have decided to walk ten miles each day for ten days - a combined total of 200 miles - to support the zoo.
Hayley, who worked for two years as part of the guest experience team at the Islands at Chester Zoo, said: "
"It is a really baffling decision by the government. They have more than 120 acres at the zoo. I speak to people who I worked with and they already have social distancing measures implemented. If you can go to a supermarket or Alton Towers then why can't you go to the zoo?
"It is not just all the people who will lose there jobs, it is all the animals that will lose their home. What will happen to them?"
Ffion Williams (left) and Hayley Shaw are raising funds and awareness for Chester Zoo
The friends will start their walks on Saturday and hope to raise £500.
On their JustGiving page, they said: "Many of you may have seen that Chester Zoo, a charity close to both of our hearts, are struggling to stay afloat due to the crisis of COVID-19.
"They work so hard to prevent extinction and help to care for animals who really need it and we really need your help to save our zoo!
"Between us we will be walking 200 miles in 10 days from Saturday the 6th to Tuesday the 16th of June, which works out at 10 miles each per day.
"Anything that you can give, big or small, will be gratefully received and makes all the difference! If you have nothing to give right now just sharing this post to spread the word would be much appreciated."
Hayley added: "The amount of support I have got from people already has been amazing. It just shows how loved the zoo is."
To support Ffion and Hayley visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ffion-williams-hayley-shaw
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here