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Marathon man Paul Goldstein of Exodus to run four UK marathons in a week in tiger costume for charity

The London Marathon, which takes place on the 17^th April 2011, is run by more than 30,000 people each year, but how many of those runners precede the race with three other marathons in the same week? Even fewer run the London Marathon with a 9ft-high, 30lb aluminium-framed tiger strapped to their back on top of that.

One week, FOUR marathons – For Paul Goldstein, award-winning photographer, the London Marathon will be the fourth marathon he runs in April 2011; after Brighton (10^th April), Manchester (12^th April) and Cardiff (15^th April) – all wearing the distinctive Tiger costume that caught the eye of London Marathon fans in 2010. With his efforts, Paul hopes to raise more than £30,000 to protect the Bengal Tiger, one of the world’s most endangered animals.

Tiger numbers are at tipping point - At the turn of the last century, there were an estimated 45,000 tigers living wild in India’s forests and now there are less than 1,000. Poaching has left an indelible mark on this magnificent predator and Goldstein is leading the campaign ‘Worth More Alive’, now in its second year, to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the Bengal Tiger. Visit http://www.exodus.co.uk/news/2011/01/tigers-worth-more-alive-2 for more information and to sponsor; visit his just giving site – http://www.justgiving.com/worthmorealive2.

Support Paul and help end the decline – with lively and lavishly illustrated lectures taking place across the country, award-winning photographer Paul Goldstein tells the story of the Bengal Tiger and other endangered species. Show your support at presentations in Exeter, Edinburgh, Brighton, London, Manchester and Cardiff. Visit http://www.exodus.co.uk/community/slideshows for more information and to register.

More than 100 miles! 48 year old Paul has been training 40 miles a week since October 2010 to prepare him for the epic challenge. He hopes his drastic attempt to draw attention to the issue will work but modestly says, “It’ll hurt, but nothing to what tigers are going through”. Goldstein continues, “I’ve been lucky enough to guide a couple hundred of people to see their first tiger. It leaves a lifelong impression but also reminds the viewer what an important animal it is. In running this marathon, I am raising much-needed funds for the cause and encourage people to realise that we are in danger of losing this privilege completely.”

Click here check out Paul’s training video and keep up to date

The importance of local projects – Funds raised for ‘Worth More Alive II’ will support Exodus’ Friends of Conservation charity project in Bandhavgarh, India. Local projects in Bandhavgarh are vital for the survival of the tiger and the Exodus work in the Bandhavgarh region has included completely rebuilding a local school, installing clean water and funding a much-needed ambulance for the local hospital as well as patrol vehicles for the park. One of the critical projects for 2011 is a compensation war chest for local farmers who have lost cattle to tigers.

One pound for every Tiger found – Whether you’re watching from the comfort of your home or cheering the runners on from the roadside, Exodus and Paul are offering you to make your own contribution to the cause and the best thing, you don’t even have to spend your own money! Exodus has launched a social media campaign to support ‘Worth More Alive II’ meaning that every time someone spots Paul in the tiger costume, Exodus will donate up to £2 for posts on Twitter and Facebook. Write a message and contribute £1; upload an image contribute £2.  Tweet using the #exodustiger tag or visit the Exodus facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/exodustravels.

A man of many talents – When Goldstein hasn’t got a Bengal on his back, he indulges in his passion for wildlife, photography, travel and tour leading with Exodus. He’s journeyed to, and led successful adventure expeditions across, all seven continents including trips to Kilimanjaro, Masai Mara and Antarctica. He is a lively lecturer and hosts photographic presentations across the country with the next one on ‘Worth More Alive II’, ‘Endangered – Tigers and Other Predators’ on Rougemont Hotel, Queens Street, Exeter at 19:00.

Exodus run more than 10 inspiring Indian itineraries and are huge advocates of responsible travel with the following tiger trip of great benefit to the Bengal’s, those interested in their preservation and the local population. Exodus’ ‘Land of the Tiger’ trip in India, is from £1,759 for 17 days, including flights from London, departing 11 March, 25 March, 8 April, 15 April, 14 October and 28 October 2011.

For more information or to book a  trip call 0845 863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk.

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