Siblings take steps to raise cash for Zoo (From Dudley News)

Siblings take steps to raise cash for Zoo

12:00pm Sunday 7th February 2010

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A MILKING Bank brother and sister are putting their best foot forward to raise funds for Dudley Zoo, through a sponsored walk which is set to cover three counties.

The walk from Dudley to Bridgnorth was the brainchild of 16-year-old animal lover Rachel Loftus, who will take part in the trek with her younger brother Alex, aged 11.

The siblings are set to do the 16-mile walk on Saturday, March 7, with the route taking them through the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Rachel said: "I love the zoo and have heard lots of stories about it from my mum, who used to visit it all the time when she was younger.

"I wanted to do something to raise funds for the zoo and decided a sponsored walk would be a great idea, and asked DZG staff if it would be alright with them. When I told Alex about it he said he would come along, too."

And Rachel and Alex are no strangers to long hikes as they regularly make the 45-minute walk from their Lower Gornal home to The Kingswinford School where they are both pupils.

Rachel added: "I am excited and a bit nervous about it and at the moment we are both busy getting sponsorship from our family and friends - and doing a bit of training!"

Zoo press officer, Jill Hitchman, said: "It's a great idea. They are both immensely fit and determined to complete it and we hope lots of people will sponsor Rachel and Alex on their walk."

Anyone wanting to sponsor the pair can find details on the zoo website at dudleyzoo.org.uk

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