Leeds 12-year-old inspired by TV presenter Steve Backshall raises hundreds of pounds for wildlife charity
“The environment isn’t just something that you walk around in every day - we need to take care of it”
A young Steve Backshall superfan from Leeds has raised hundreds of pounds for nature conservation after she was inspired by the explorer and TV presenter.
12-year-old Jasmine Stewart, from Rothwell, was watching Backshall talk about rhino poaching in May last year, when she started to question if there was anything she could do to make a difference.
The primary school pupil wrote a letter to Backshall asking for his advice and to her surprise he responded in a personalised video message.
“I didn't think that he was actually going to reply because I mean he's so busy doing all his programs,” Jasmine told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“I felt like the luckiest person in the world. I was so happy bouncing off the walls.”
Backshall advised Jasmine to consider supporting the Tusk Trust, a conservation charity which works to preserve critical habitats, and support local community development and education across Africa.
And soon, Jasmine had her first charity challenge planned - an eight-mile sponsored walk to the RSPB St Aidan’s Nature Reserve in Astley.
The walk, alongside selling handmade beaded bracelets with messages to save the rhinos, helped Jasmine raise an amazing £371 for the Tusk Trust.
Jasmine said: “The environment isn’t just something that you walk around in every day. It’s somewhere that nature and lots of animals live in and we need to take care of it.
“I really hope that it's really made everyone know that they can do anything they put their mind to.”
The Year 6 pupil has been recognised for her keen conservation efforts not only by appearing in the Tusk Trust magazine’s ‘Fundraiser Spotlight’ but also by earning a green Blue Peter badge.
Jasmine’s mother Louise said her daughter has always been an “uplifting” force constantly trying to make the world a better place.
“She’s very kind in her nature and an extremely determined young lady who I’m very proud of,” Louise said.
“She’s unstoppable.”
True to her mother’s words Jasmine shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, she’s already planning her next fundraiser: a half-marathon litter pick.
The Year 6 student will litter-pick for 13.2 miles across Leeds on October 24 and has already raised £145 on her online fundraiser.
By cleaning up the environment while raising money for the Tusk Trust, Jasmine is “saving the world one step at a time”, and this message is printed on her personalised litter-picking hi-vis.
October’s challenge comes just months after Jasmine broke her jaw and shoulder in a nasty biking accident, but Jasmine won’t let any adversity get in her way.
Jasmine said: “I feel like when I come across a hurdle or anything that could stop me, I think how can I get over it because there's always a way, but you just have to find your way through it.”
Ultimately, the 12-year-old is doing everything she can to protect endangered animals in the wild.
From the upcoming litter-pick to selling bracelets and bakes at school, she is showing that no-one is too small to have an impact..
To support Jasmine’s conservation efforts, donate to her online JustGiving page.