A YOUNG man is taking on a huge challenge in memory of his late friend, to help a cause which gave him ‘lots of joy’.

Jacob Allison, from Preston, will be climbing three Lake District peaks to help fund the expansion of Lakeland Wildlife Oasis’ meerkat enclosure.

The challenge is in honour of Mr Allison’s friend, Anthony Ward, who sadly passed away in April this year.

“He was one of my best friends, I met him in year seven and we knew each other for eleven years,” said Mr Allison.

“No better person walked this earth, he was very kind, very intelligent.

“I’m quite close to the family and they told me about this place that he used to go to, that brought him a lot of joy.

“When they announced they were re-opening I wanted to go and get a sense of what he saw and I was completely impressed.”

Mr Ward enjoyed many trips to Lakeland Wildlife Oasis with his family, where his sister, Jenna still volunteers.

“Anthony always had a love for animals,” said Mr Allison.

“I think he was having a down day and it lifted him right up.

“I said this to Anthony a few times, he’s got a very cheeky sense of humour and inquisitive nature, he had the characteristics of a meerkat.”

Mr Allison, alongside his brother and father, will be climbing Helvellyn, and two other peaks over 800 metres which they are yet to decide on, in August.

Jack Williams, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis centre manager, said: "Lakeland Wildlife Oasis has always aspired to be a part of the local community that brings people joy and happiness - we feel honoured the zoo held a place in Anthony heart and gave him many happy experiences.

"Our meerkat enclosure is in need of redevelopment; part of our continued approach to improving visitor experience and animal welfare. With that said, we wanted the new meerkat enclosure to be partnered with a brand new disabled-access playground and picnic area - creating a family friendly space where visitors of all ages and walks of life can create memories. Anthony's family contacted us wishing to contribute to a development at the zoo and the new proposed meerkat development seemed to fit perfectly as a loving tribute to him."

"Jacob's fundraiser will help raise funds for this development - particularly the disabled access elements such as our meerkat experience and meerkat talk area."

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