On Sunday 11 October Emma Slawinski will be stepping outside her comfort zone and cycling 100km around the New Forest to raise vital funds for the League.
WHAT’S THE CHALLENGE?
The ‘GridIron 100’ is one of the oldest on-road long-distance cycling events in the UK. Starting and finishing in Lymington, the 100km route circles the New Forest – which at that time of year will be a patchwork of stunning autumnal colours. On route she is likely to encounter free-roaming cattle, ponies, donkeys, deer, pigs and sheep, all of which will have legal right of way over her and the other cyclists!
WHY IS THIS CHALLENGE SO IMPORTANT?
The beautiful New Forest, where Emma will be cycling is historic, scenic and renowned for its ancient woodlands, free-roaming ponies and rich cultural heritage. But beneath its peaceful surface lies a deep connection to the League’s core mission.
The New Forest and its surrounding countryside have historically been and continues to be a major battleground in the fight against hunting. The New Forest itself was proclaimed as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror in 1079. Nowadays it is a favourite spot for wildlife lovers, showing that change is possible, but the surrounding areas are still heavily populated by traditional hunts of all kinds, and pheasant shoots. Even within the National Park hare and mink are still hunted.
By riding 100km around the New Forest, Emma fundraising to help reclaim these spaces for all the animals not just those that are traditionally protected. She’ll be riding past the very habitats the League works tirelessly to protect, shining a spotlight on the reality of wildlife persecution in the heart of rural Hampshire.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE CHALLENGE
Tackling 100km is a daunting physical and mental challenge for Emma. She has said that every time training gets tough, she remembers exactly why she is taking on this challenge: to stand up for animals persecuted in the name of ‘sport’.
Emma is raising money to directly support the work of the League. With your encouragement and sponsorship, every pound you donate helps our fight to make cruel sports a thing of the past.
Please visit Emma’s JustGiving page to donate and leave a message of encouragement.