The rangers the event is run to benefit were on hand to keep an eye on us as we ran through the challenging terrain – the route covered grasslands, rocky hills and montane forest, and ended in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of my favourite wild places in the world. I’ve been involved with Ol Pejeta ever since I was at Flora and Fauna International, and this conservancy has the single largest population of black rhinos in East Africa. I’ve always known I wanted to work with animals and in conservation since doing some work experience at Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire when I was 14. While I’ve primarily worked with big cats throughout my career, rhinos are so important and Helping Rhinos’ philosophy mirrors my own; long-term, security and protection alone won’t save a species, we need engagement at every level and a holistic approach. But I was also keen to take part in the event because I’ve always also been incredibly passionate about the work that wildlife rangers do. They’re at the frontline of the conservation battle yet they’re underpaid, under appreciated, under resourced and overstretched.