Below is an article from the Bristol Post on Tuesday, May 07, 2013. Mat Richards had a Bristol Balloon ride with us last week to help him achieve his dream job!
”A BRISTOL animal expert has seen his campaign to win a dream job take to the skies.
Bristol Zoo animal trainer Mat Richards is one of 25 people from around the world who have been shortlisted for the role of animal trainer on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
As part of the application process Mr Richards, 33, has to gather as much support as possible and has been calling on the support of people across the city and beyond to help him bag his dream job.
Bristol-based Bailey Balloons donated a balloon ride to Mr Richards so he could hang a banner from the basket to encourage more people to support his application.
The trip followed a handwritten letter Mr Richards, from Clifton, received from Sir David Attenborough, wishing him “every success” with his application.
Support has also come from local organisations including Airbus, Bristol Rugby FC and Bristol Zoo Gardens.
Mr Richards said: “I am truly overwhelmed and humbled by the amount of support that I have received from everyone. This last ten days has been absolutely crazy.
“To receive a letter back from Sir David Attenborough was the icing on the cake.”
Mr Richards has also received encouragement from television presenter and wildlife expert, Mike Dilger, and hundreds of Twitter users who have spread the message or offered support.
He is encouraging as many people as possible to support him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MatRichardsForWildlifeCaretaker and Twitter @Zoolandermat.”
