Let me introduce myself first of all. My name is Sorcha Cantwell, for my whole life I have been passionate about wildlife and the environment.

Marine life in particular is a huge fascination for me and I already do volunteer work involving marine life across a number of wonderful organisations. This has brought me into direct contact with the results of a worrying and increasing problem. And I want to do something about it. With your help.

The issue that I refer to and am deeply concerned about is marine plastics. The dangers it causes to our marine life and to us... from animal entanglements, the build up of micro plastics in our food chains, to it's ingestion by our birds and marine life causing illness, injury and in many cases death.

From the 7th of August I carried out a two week sponsored beach clean up the West and North Coasts of Scotland. Documenting what I found and the weight of plastics I remove on my journey. Recycling what I could as I went. I wanted to raise awareness of the plight of our coastlines and help rid our shores of this not only unsightly but deadly blight. But this project itself will be permanent. This was just the flagship trip.

The funds will help me with cleaning equipment and some very basic necessities moving forwards. Involving local communities to continue and spread the projects work.

My intention is to do this big clean on an annual basis, increasing the area covered and involving locals and visitors too. I look forward to meeting others who care about our waters and growing an understanding and concern for our wildlife and seas in anyone I can.

Help me continue my work with the project to rid our beautiful coast of marine plastics :)

Thank you for reading
Sorcha