A former Teddington resident completed a 230km ultra marathon across Africa last week (5 September) to raise money for the wildlife Rangers who risk their lives to protect endangered species.

Chris Gordon, 43, who attended Newland House School in Teddington, ran 35 hours over five days and came in 34th out of 77 runners.

Speaking about why he chose to take on the challenge, Gordon said: "Rangers are critical for protecting the planet on which we all depend.

"Despite this, there are less rangers in the world than hairdressers in the UK! Rangers are often underpaid, poorly equipped but work tirelessly in harsh conditions. And tragically, more than 100 rangers are killed each year on duty. Rangers need our support!

"I have stupidly signed up to run a 230km 5-day ultra marathon in September to raise funds for ForRangers, running self-supported through six wildlife conservancies in Kenya.

"ForRangers are a charity who supports the welfare of African rangers, providing health and life insurance, equipment and training so that rangers are better placed to carry out their important roles.

"By donating to ForRangers, through their partner Save the Rhino, you can make a huge difference. Your contribution doesn't just help protect wildlife—it supports the courageous men and women who put their lives on the line every single day. Please give generously."

Gordon has already raised over £7k, beating his initial £4k target.

You can donate to his challenge here.

Gordon is the Managing Director of Conservation Alpha and has worked in conservation in both Africa and Asia over the last 20 years.

He has managed successful conservation projects in Africa, including five years as the Kenya Country Director for the Zoological Society of London.

Moreover, Gordon was instrumental in the design and issuance of the Wildlife Conservation Bond and has been a technical adviser to the Government of Uganda and TotalEnergies in the design of a Collaborative Management Partnership for the Murchison Falls Protected Area.

Over the last decade, Gordon has spent time focused on innovative financing for biodiversity, designing funds and facilities, biodiversity offsets and credits, and conservation investments.

He understands the practicalities required for conservation success on the ground, and the importance of stakeholder engagement and relationships for achieving this, often set against difficult political contexts.

His competencies include project management, protected area management, species conservation, innovative financing, collaborative management partnerships, governance, law enforcement, human-wildlife conflict, disease management, project development, and fundraising.