Partnership to help endangered tigers

The ‘Born to Run’ campaign created by Tiger Balm, the brand whose heritage and ethos is based on the strength and vitality of tigers, and supported by the international wildlife charity, will work towards preventing wildlife poaching - especially the illegal trade in tiger parts.

To mark the launch of the partnership, Artist Emma Fay has created a stunning image of a tigers head. If you look closely, the majestic face is created from body painted models. The image, made out of human parts of the body, has been created to raise awareness of the tiger facing extinction, specifically focussing on the illegal trade of animal body parts.

To kick start the campaign, 150 runners in tiger suits is being created to take part in the British 10K, July 13th. The ‘Born to Run’ Team Tiger Balm will be fronted by TV presenter Michaela Strachan with all participants dressed as tigers to raise money for the Born Free Foundation. Tiger Balm Red, the brand’s topical painkiller for muscular aches and pains, and every runners friend, has sponsored the British 10K since 2012, helping the runners to not just compete, but to compete with confidence.

Michaela Strachan says of her involvement; ”I‘m passionate about the conservation of animals so being asked to run as part of the Born to Run campaign at this year’s British 10K was an easy decision. I’m really excited to train for this race and run with over 149 other runners in the ‘Born to Run’ Tiger Balm Team.”

Will Travers OBE, President of the Born Free Foundation says: “We have such a huge international challenge on our hands to help protect tigers against poaching and the illegal trade of animal parts, it’s vital that businesses get involved. Without the generous support and backing of international brands such as Tiger Balm, and the awareness and financial support they can encourage, we will struggle to see real, positive change for endangered species, such as tigers.”

Mr AK Han, Director of Haw Par Corporation comments; “The founder of Tiger Balm left china in the 1870’s for Rangoon, Myanmar, to start his shop selling Chinese medicines including ointment. It was his son, Aw Boon Haw, who named the Ointment after himself as his name means gentle tiger. He adopted the leaping tiger logo to symbolise strength and vitality. Being internationally famous for its relief of aches and pains, it is befitting for Tiger Balm to partner Born Free Foundation in its efforts to raise funds and awareness of the plight of the tiger. Tiger Balm has sponsored the British 10K race as a great way for people to stay healthy and active and to support the Born Free Foundation.”

To win a place on the ‘Born to Run’ Team Tiger Balm team raising money for Born Free Foundation visit www.facebook.com/TigerBalmUK or to donate please go to http://www.justgiving.com/TigerBalm

Report and picture contributed by the Born Free Foundation.