LOOK OUT, NORFOLK... THERE'S A 9FT TIGER HEADING YOUR WAY

No, it hasn't escaped. Wildlife photographer, guide and conservation campaigner Paul Goldstein is carrying it across Britain - and he'd like you to join him.

If you spot a nine-foot tiger making its way along the North Norfolk coast next week, don't be alarmed.

It's strapped to the back of wildlife photographer, guide and conservation campaigner Paul Goldstein, who is walking 1,000 miles across Britain to raise £50,000 for tiger conservation.

2026 marks 16 years since Paul first ran the London Marathon in his now legendary tiger suit to raise money for these vulnerable animals. Since then, he and his tiger have completed another 49 marathons, climbed Kilimanjaro and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for conservation, funding patrol vehicles, wildlife transportation trucks, gas ovens, boreholes, ambulances, schools and many other projects.

In 2022, he completed the daunting Everest Marathon with the tiger, widely regarded as one of the toughest marathons in the world.

At 63, this is by far his biggest challenge. 

The campaign is being delivered in partnership with Explorers Against Extinction (EAE), the Happisburgh-based conservation charity coordinating the fundraising and supporting frontline tiger conservation projects in India and Bhutan.

His 2 Legs for 4 campaign will see him walk 500 miles from Anglesey to Southend-on-Sea, followed by 500 more from Southend-on-Sea to Land's End, over 42 days.

The first week has been far from easy, with record temperatures across the UK and a chest infection making every mile harder.

This isn't a publicity stunt.

It's a protest.

"Many would say this is utterly foolish," says Paul. "They may be right. But Bengal tigers are still endangered. Their body parts are still harvested for so-called traditional Chinese medicine. It's an abomination.

"You don't need to have seen one in the wild to feel that anger... but it helps. This summer, you can do something about it."

Paul reaches Norfolk on Sunday 19 July, more than 300 miles into the challenge. He will spend six days crossing the county before continuing towards Southend.

With family roots stretching back more than a century, countless friends across Norfolk and years spent introducing people to the county's remarkable wildlife, Paul hopes local people will turn out and walk alongside him.

"You don't have to walk 1,000 miles. Join me for a day, a half marathon or just a few miles. Every step helps."

Anyone signing up will notice the disclaimer on the website:

"I consent to being good humoured, wonderful company and a real brick throughout the whole route."

A generous supporter has pledged to match the first £10,000 donated, doubling the impact of every early donation.

Why Norfolk?

Paul deliberately planned the route to pass through Norfolk because of his family's deep roots here.

Carricks Farm at Swanton Morley has been in the family for more than 100 years, and Paul has spent much of his life in the county. During the pandemic, his photography and wildlife experiences introduced hundreds of people to Norfolk's extraordinary wildlife, and it remains one of his favourite places in Britain.

His family's connection runs even deeper. His mother's earliest memory is celebrating her third birthday at Brancaster on 3 September 1939, the day Britain declared war.

More than a walk

Paul has spent more than three decades photographing wildlife, leading safaris and campaigning tirelessly for conservation. Admired for his photography, respected for his knowledge and well known for his outspoken views, few would question his commitment to protecting wildlife.

The Sunday Times described him as "impossibly vivacious, a guide of almost psychotic gusto."

Author and broadcaster Simon Reeve called his latest book "both a visual triumph and a testament to one photographer's relentless fight to give nature a voice, and a future."

Conservationist Chris Packham perhaps sums him up best:

"He's not everyone's cup of tea, but he's made a great deal of difference to the world's creatures, both two-legged and four. Long may he continue."

Where the money goes

Funds raised through 2 Legs for 4 will be managed by Explorers Against Extinction (EAE), the Happisburgh-based conservation charity that works with trusted conservation partners in more than 30 countries.

This year's projects include:

• Installing solar lighting for communities living around Bandhavgarh National Park in India, helping reduce dangerous encounters between people and tigers after dark.
• Supporting pioneering research in Bhutan investigating how climate change is affecting tiger habitat and helping shape future conservation.

The target is £50,000.

The impact could last for generations.

Walk with Paul

Paul is inviting walkers, runners, wildlife lovers, photographers, businesses and families to join him for any section of the Norfolk route.

Support him with your feet, your voice or your donation.

Norfolk route

• Sunday 19 July: Sutton Bridge to Snettisham
• Monday 20 July: Snettisham to Burnham Market
• Tuesday 21 July: Burnham Overy Staithe to Sheringham
• Wednesday 22 July: Public evening event at Blake Studio, Norwich, 7.30pm
• Thursday 23 July: Swanton Morley to Brundall
• Friday 24 July: Surlingham to Southwold

An Evening with Paul Goldstein

Explorers Against Extinction will host a special evening with Paul Goldstein (and the tiger) at Blake Studio, Norwich, on Wednesday 22 July at 7.30pm.

Meet Paul and hear stories from around the world, and why tiger conservation has become Paul's life's mission.

Tickets: £12.

Full route details, event tickets and information on how to join the walk can be found on the 2 Legs for 4 website.