Fundraiser Feature: Jade Rossiter

At the heart of the community, Paignton Zoo resonates with so many of its supporters for a whole variety of reasons. For Jade, a teacher originally from Cornwall, Paignton Zoo had a strong family connection. Our Fundraising Manager, Will Keen, spent some time with Jade to find out a little more…

What makes Paignton Zoo special to you?

Paignton Zoo was an incredibly special place for my grandparents, who were avid supporters of both the animals and the important conservation work carried out by the Charity, for many years. Recently, my family and I had to say goodbye to my grandma, Jill, a wonderful mum, grandma, great-grandma, wife, friend and human being. Seven years prior, Grandad, the brilliant builder, cricketer and family man who had a huge impact on our family and local communities, passed away, and we all miss them both indescribably.

Of all the animals, they bonded with the gorillas and orangutans the most. Some would even seem to recognise them and would interact with them a lot. They enjoyed each other’s weekly visits!

Why did you decide to fundraise in your grandparents’ memory?

I am fundraising for Paignton Zoo as they played a huge part in my grandparents’ lives and have a huge impact on endangered animals, the community and the environment. I also have special memories of the zoo and its wonderful inhabitants. I want to help Paignton Zoo and its amazing animals keep thriving, as well as set myself a challenge in my grandparents’ memory.

It is a privilege to be able to keep supporting the zoo for them and to do something to honour the great people that they were.

With Paignton Zoo holding such a special place in Jade’s family’s memories of her grandparents, and having given them many wonderful memories, Jade thought it would be a fitting tribute to raise money to continue the Zoo’s vital conservation work for years to come, in the hope that the next generation will have equally special memories with their loved ones.

What Fundraising Challenge are you taking on?

I thought I would set myself a fundraising challenge, running Bradley’s 10km Race (my longest run yet) in Exmouth, raising money for Paignton Zoo in memory of my amazing grandparents.

Whilst 10k may not seem a lot to some people, as a non-athletic person who used to hate the idea of even running for the bus, it’s a big challenge! Time to get off the sofa and get my running shoes out!

Grandma and Grandad loved Paignton Zoo and would visit every Sunday. They were supporters of the zoo for decades, and it was a big part of their lives, so raising money for the zoo seemed a fitting way to honour their connection with this special place. Their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have special memories of visiting with them.

What do you think your grandparents would think of what you’re doing?

I reckon they would laugh about how I used to be a lazy teenager who avoided sport and exercise like the plague, and would be pleased that I’m setting myself running challenges now!  Grandad would say ‘go on, girl’.  I hope that this fundraising challenge would make them smile and remind them of those special times at the zoo together and with us.

It is a privilege to be able to keep supporting the zoo for them and to do something to honour the great people that they were.

“Truly Inspiring”

Will Keen, Fundraising Manager for Wild Planet Trust, met with Jade at Paignton Zoo to talk about her challenge.

“I take my hat off to Jade for her truly inspiring challenge. As someone for whom the zoo also holds many family memories, as well as being someone who isn’t a typical runner, I am sure that her grandparents would be incredibly proud of the challenge that she has taken on, and that she has chosen Paignton Zoo to be the beneficiary of her hard work. I wish Jade the very best of luck for the event”

Support Jade’s challenge!

If you would like to support Jade’s fundraising challenge, whether you knew her grandparents, know Jade herself, or simply admire what she’s taken on and want to show your support, every penny is greatly appreciated.

You can support her fundraising by visiting her dedicated JustGiving page here, or why not even go and cheer her on at the event on 29th September! The run sets off from beautiful Exmouth seafront at 9am and promises to be a great day.

Good luck Jade, from everyone at Paignton Zoo!