Hemel Hempstead schoolboy raises hundreds for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

An eight-year-old boy from Hemel Hempstead walked over 70 miles in February and raised over £900 for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Freddie Holder, who is a huge supporter of the zoo in Bedfordshire, wanted to do something to help raise money for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, which has been struggling during the pandemic.

Both London and Whipsnade Zoos have been closed since the country went into lockdown in January, they also had to close in the previous two lockdowns and are now facing another Easter – one of the busiest times – without any visitors.

The eight-year-old wanted to walk or run at least two miles every day in February to help feed the animals at Whipsnade Zoo - in total Freddie covered 71.85 miles and raised over £900.

Martin Holder, Freddie's dad, said: "Freddie has always gone to the zoo and he loves it. His aunt mentioned doing a challenge to see how far we could walk in February and Freddie said why don't we do that and raise money for the zoo to help feed the animals while it's closed.

"It was a mixture of walking and a bit of running, every day in February. He covered 71.85 miles and raised £928. He also put some of his money, that he got for his birthday, as a donation."

Freddie said: "It felt really good to raise money for the zoo and complete the challenge."

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo sent Freddie a certificate to congratulate him on his fundraising, he has currently raised over £900, to support Freddie's fundraising click here.

Freddie, whose favourite animal is a monkey, can't wait to visit ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, once restrictions start to ease.