East Sussex-based International Animal Rescue is inviting people across the UK to take part in its latest fundraising challenge to support bears rescued from captivity.
The charity’s “Step Up for Bears” virtual challenge runs throughout July 2026 and asks supporters to walk 56 miles during the month. The distance represents one mile for each of International Animal Rescue’s rescued bears in Armenia.
Participants can complete the challenge in whatever way suits them, whether that is walking through a local park, heading out into the countryside, using a treadmill, logging gym visits or adding up miles during the daily commute.
All funds raised will go towards providing lifelong sanctuary, expert veterinary care, food and enrichment toys for the rescued bears.
Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue said: “The suffering these rescued bears have faced breaks my heart. Last year we rescued three bears from a back yard. These were some of the worst conditions I have ever seen. The stench, the filth, the sheer cruelty of locking these animals up in tiny cages and feeding them cola, it was absolutely horrific. But, thanks to this challenge we can help provide these rescued bears with the care they deserve. Each step participants take will help us to continue to provide sanctuary and specialist care for these animals.”
The challenge is designed to be flexible, with miles able to be logged at any point between the 1st and 31st of July 2026. Entry costs £5, with exclusive rewards available for fundraisers, including medals, T-shirts and limited edition Step Up for Bears merchandise.
International Animal Rescue has been rescuing bears from captivity since 2017 and works closely with local partners in Armenia to provide them with a safe place to live out the rest of their lives.
You can sign up for the challenge here: https://shop.internationalanimalrescue.org/collections/events/products/2026-step-up-for-bears
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