DELYN’s MP has praised a Mold boy for his part in the fundraising effort to help save Chester Zoo.

The Leader has reported that Jimmy Roose, from Mold, has set himself a marathon challenge of running a mile a day around Mold to help fight for the zoo that he has loved ever since his first visit.

In 24 hours, the six-year-old smashed several of his targets and raised more than £2,000 that will contribute towards keeping the zoo for future generations.

Rob Roberts, Conservative MP for the Delyn area, said: “I really enjoyed seeing the story of Jimmy from Mold doing his sponsored runs and have to give a huge amount of credit to the parents in situations like that for instilling those values of caring for others and having passion for causes in which you believe.

“It is things like that which will ensure that our children and young people grow up to shape a caring and considerate society, and I commend them for the brilliant job they are clearly doing in raising such a thoughtful and concerned son.

“So many people have been in touch with me about Chester Zoo – it is such an iconic part of the region and holds such happy memories for so many people.”

Mr Roberts adds that he will be doing everything in his power to ensure it gets the support it needs, as well as other similar attractions like the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay.

He continues: “It has been such a challenging time locally, nationally and globally but if we can just hold on to the thought of trying to work together to fix things so that 6-year old Jimmy’s efforts aren’t in vain, we will surely be able to find a good outcome to this horrible situation.”

The Leader has reported that Chester Zoo, the UK’s biggest zoo, has been left fighting to remain a part of childhood memories for generations to come. It was said that the popular tourist attraction in Cheshire was heading towards debt more than £24m by the end of 2020 that a spokesman said would “financially cripple” the zoo.

Reacting to the news about Chester Zoo’s situation – which may see it potentially close its doors for good - the MP says he has had some amazing times at Chester Zoo.

Mr Roberts expressed concerns on behalf of Delyn constituents in a letter to the George Eustice MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

In the letter Roberts details memories of spending a ‘great deal of time’ at the zoo both as a child and then with his daughter, calling it a ‘very special place’. He also highlights the facilities incredible contributions in the field of conservation and environmental education which would also be lost should the site close.

He also shares concerns abut the local economic impact that closing the zoo for good would have – in terms of the “profound loss of jobs” and the tourism boost it provides the region.