Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

A group of friends are preparing for a walk on the wild side - by striding all the way from Burnley to Chester Zoo to raise money for the struggling institution.

Animal lover Nathan Heywood (28) said he felt compelled to do something for Chester Zoo after reading its impassioned pleas for support after lockdown measures had left it struggling with debt.

He has now recruited wife Anni and friends to do the 57 mile walk and has set up a GoFundMe page, which has already raised £877.

One of those friends, Ashley Richards (33) has been working on the frontline during the coronavirus crisis for the NHS at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Anni Heywood, Adele Maguire, Ashley Richards and Nathan Heywood preparing for the walk

Accounts assistant Nathan has overcome challenges before the walk, having struggled with back and knee injuries in the past.

He said: "Animals are important in nearly everyone's life, as they are in mine, my wife's and my little girls. Seeing Chester Zoo struggle through this difficult time with all the great things they do for animals, I felt I couldn't stand by and watch them go into debt and struggle to look after the animals without funds.

"Therefore, I'm trying to now raise as much as I can to help them continue the great work they do.

Burnley friends' walk on the wild side for Chester Zoo