9ft tiger heads across Cornwall as 1,000 mile challenge nears its end
Paul Goldstein has taken on a rather unusual challenge as he heads across Cornwall for the final leg of a UK-wide walk - raising vital funds for tiger conservation.
Paul Goldstein, a conservationist an photographer, is approaching the finale of an ambitious 1,000-mile walk across the UK, raising vital funds for tiger conservation through the charity, Explorers Against Extinction.
Now making his way across Cornwall, Paul is accompanied by a nine-foot, 13kg tiger suit, which has been strapped to his back for the entirety of the challenge.
His trek has seen him journey across Scotland and England, with the final few days traversing the Cornish coastline. He will now head from East Portaholland towards Maenporth, Lizard, Penzance - ultimately finishing at Land’s End.
He aims to complete the challenge on Saturday, September 12.
Paul said the support and hospitality from the Cornish people has kept him going as he heads through the wind and rain.
"The thing I look forward to most, obviously, is a swim at the end of the day, some local cuisine and also extraordinary warmth of people," he said.
"The last few days have been remarkable."
The tiger suit, created by Norfolk-based designer Liz Putland and inspired by Goldstein's own photograph of a wild Bengal tigress, has also been with him on marathons around the world, including the London and Everest Marathons.
Paul hopes to raise £50,000 to support the work of Explorers Against Extinction. The charity concentrates on mitigating threats facing wild tigers and support communities living alongside these majestic creatures.
While the trek is not without its challenges, Paul is motivated by the cause.
"As you can imagine, when you're wearing something that is ostensibly a sail, you can sometimes come close to taking off and certainly not be walking where you want to," he said.
"But when people say, 'this must be gruesomely tough or just ridiculously challenging', I say, well, imagine what an incarcerated tiger goes through in a Chinese holding facility - or in some tiny apartment in Kansas.
"You know, they have nothing to look forward to. I think I know where I'd rather be."
The funds raised will play a crucial role in supporting conservation projects in Bandhavgarh National Park and researching tiger habitats in Bhutan to ensure their survival.
Paul aims to complete the 1,000 mile challenge at Land's End on Saturday, September 12.