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22
Jun 2021
Harrogate man cycles across Thailand for elephants
A Harrogate man who moved to Thailand has raised nearly £14,000 cycling across the country to aid a struggling elephant home.
Bruce Haxton was born and raised in Harrogate and attended Harrogate Grammar School. He moved to Thailand to run the Tuk Tuk Club adventure travel company eight years ago.
When his business was halted due to the pandemic, he dedicated his time to raising money for a home of elephants he has worked closely with.
Maevang Elephant Home in Mae Wang has been struggling to maintain its eight elephants with no visitors during the pandemic so Bruce set out to raise £16,000 for the home by cycling across Thailand.
He finished his 2,300km journey this month after riding for 18 days in total.
His journey took him through 22 provinces and back, through mountain ranges and rice fields in temperatures of up to 45 degrees celsius.
He also undertook absolutely no training prior to setting off, making his journey even more challenging.
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He was assisted by his friend Mr Noom who runs the elephant home and followed him on his journey in a tuk tuk full of supplies.
So far he is just £2,300 off his fundraising goal, and is still taking donations on his JustGiving page.
Bruce said that his family and friends in Harrogate have continuously supported him and donated from home. He also spoke about what the elephant home means to him;
If raised, the £16,000 total will be enough to sustain the elephants and the families looking after them for 3 months.
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