Bruce Englefield - 64
So there I was one day contemplating my navel when it came to me what the problem was. I was overweight, over-age, unfit, stressed out and heading downhill. "Change things", I thought. Well, I couldn’t change my age but everything else, yes.

The Save the Devil project provided the incentive and motivation and has sustained me through the training workouts. I’m just so lucky to be able to do these watched by the chompers, snappers and fangy friends of Natureworld, but if those bloody kookaburras don’t stop laughing at me soon I’ll swing for them, so I will!

Interesting facts: My wife and I bought East Coast Natureworld on a spur of the moment decision when out on holiday from the UK. I was the sound director on ABBA's first TV show, worked with Benny Hill over a twenty-year period and with my border collies Scott, Lad and Jane, represented England at the International Sheepdog Trials.

Childhood ambition: To be a zookeeper.

Present ambition: To help conserve the animal that brought me to Tassie in the first place, our amazing but threatened icon, our little devils.

Maureen Englefield - 64
I don't know how I got into all this! One day I was chatting and the next I'd signed up for the Devil Islanders and to do the London Marathon.

A bit like when Bruce and I were on holiday to Tasmania in October 2000 and signed up to buy a wildlife park on the spur of the moment. But what with nursing, being the youngest ever district midwife, building three self-build houses, mothering two children and a husband, management diploma, Director of Women's and Children Services for Surrey UK, rally driving, and running a wildlife park, home life's been pretty dull.

So what a great challenge and a way to get back that figure of yesteryear and help our Tassie devils.

Mind you, exercise and me never did mix. Naturally I've kept active and enjoyed walking, but sport... a reason to get a glass of Tasmanian Diamond Island red, King Island cheese and a good book.

However, with the fitness improving and the weight diminishing I could be persuaded to take up bowls perhaps.

Joanna Stronach -  57
“How did I get myself into this?”, is a question I have asked myself a number of times in the last couple of months since I took up the challenge to do something positive to save the Tasmanian Devil.

To even contemplate competing in a full 42 km marathon at 57 years of age must be a sign of either madness or stupidity. It does help however to have both some mad friends and a strong incentive.

Having known Debbie Gardam now for a number of years and having participated in a number of activities together it did not take a lot of effort to convince me to join this project. Coming into the winter with a desire to lose a little weight and with a twelve month old Australian Terrier along with Debbie for training partners, I didn’t need a lot more incentive.

For the past fifteen years along with my husband, David, we have owned and operated our own business in Bicheno. Bicheno’s Gallery and Apartments (formerly Crohill Gallery) has operated for fifteen years promoting and selling fine arts and craftwork from Tasmanian artists and crafts persons. Twelve months ago we added two 2-bedroom accommodation units to the business.

I am actually enjoying training now and although my commitment was to walk the distance, I am now finding that I am starting to intersperse my walking pace with periods of jogging, or should I call it “shuffling”.

I have only suffered one injury so far when my four legged training partner suddenly crossed in front of my feet causing me to trip up, landing on my hands and knees. Whenever I become discouraged, I only have to think of the plight of the devils with the awful Facial Tumour Disease to realise that this really is worth the effort.

I see the Devil Island Project as a practical way in which I can make a difference and enjoy the fitness benefit at the same time.

Samantha Illman - 24
I'm 24 years of age and have recently moved from Adelaide South Australia to start a life in Tasmania with my husband.

I work for the Entertainment Book and through my travels was made aware of the Tasmanian Devil Island Project and the dire situation the devils are currently in and felt compelled to help.

Joining the Devil Island Project has made me feel a part of my new home and I hope that I can help to make a significant difference along with the other members and the new Devils’ Army in the years to come.