A UNIVERSITY of Dundee student hopes to stampede to fundraising success this weekend as he runs the London Marathon dressed as a rhino.
James Fleming, a third-year Biomedical Engineering student from Zimbabwe, will run the 26 mile-course in an eight-kilogram outfit to fundraise for the charity Save the Rhino on Sunday 28 April.
He is one of 15 rhino costume-wearers who will be running alongside the likes of Mo Farah, Jaime Peacock MBE and broadcaster Chris Evans.
James said: “I cannot wait to get down to the start line and set off, wearing the outfit in any heat will be sweltering but it’s the best way to raise awareness of the rhino’s plight.
“Three out of five species of rhino are now critically endangered, so we have to act fast if we are going to be able to make a difference.”
The marathon-effort won’t be the first time the 21 year-old has got behind a cause.
His love for Scottish lager soon blossomed into an active community of likeminded students at the university and he is President of the Tennent’s Lager Appreciation Society on campus.
He added: “The society was a passion project for myself and others who really love the taste of Tennents Lager but the generosity from the lager-loving community worldwide has been amazing – they have really got behind raising money for the rhinos.
“For the price of a pint, a donation to Save the Rhino could buy a life-saving first aid kit. A £30 donation could provide much needed uniforms, boots and gear for the rangers who are on the frontline protecting the rhinos.
“If we can help stop poaching and halt habitat loss then the rhinos could thrive again within the next 20 years but the time to act is now.”
Those interested in supporting James can donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamessavestherhino
