MONKEYING around for a good cause are local duo Christine Vickers and Ben Soul.
The pair are taking part in the Great Gorilla Fun Run in London to raise money for the endangered primate.
The fun run covers seven kilometres across London with runners dressed in full gorilla suits.
The event has raised more than £1.9 million in the 10 years it has been organised to help protect the species in Central Africa.
Christine Vickers, 29, of Laceby Road said: "I have always wanted to do a charity run and Ben told me this is the one to do.
"The organisation does not just help the animals' welfare but also manage poverty projects to help the local people.
"I think it is a pretty worthwhile cause.
"I am very excited to be taking part and getting to see some of the great landmarks of London.
"It may only be 7km, but we will be in big gorilla suits so it will be tough.
"I have been building my fitness levels up by going to the gym so I think I'll be pretty ready for it. I hope to be able to raise the £400 needed to take part and help this great charity.
GORILLA FACTS There are four types of gorilla and they all live in West and Central Africa Mountain Gorillas are one of the most endangered animals on earth, there are currently fewer than 800 of the primates left. Eastern Lowland Gorillas are a slightly less hairy breed, of which there only around 3,000 left in the world. Their population has dropped dramatically from 17,000 ten years ago. Western Lowland Gorillas were thought to be relatively safe because as they live in huge dense forests. However new roads are being built through the forests and an ebola virus outbreak has killed thousands of gorillas. Around 60 per cent of these gorillas have vanished in the last 30 years. Cross-River gorillas are rarely seen, and rarely photographed. They are some of the most elusive and most endangered animals on earth. There are thought to only be 250 left in the world.
Ben, 31, of Abbey Drive East, Grimsby said: "I have always been interested in monkeys since I was a kid.
"And I have wanted to take part in the run for a while but have always found a reason not to.
"I just decided it was now or never.
"We have to raise £400 each to be able to take part so we are going to be taking collection buckets around the town in our gorilla suits.
"I'm excited about taking part but I know it's going to be a tough 7km.
"I am not the fittest person and I think I will have to walk the distance.
For more information, search Ben's great gorilla run on Facebook.
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