'Beach clean has been eye-opening' - dolphin volunteer

Ben Boxer, a 26-year-old from Brighton, is on an incredible journey to help protect the ocean and its wildlife. He is taking on a challenge that involves cleaning up beaches while walking, cycling, and paddleboarding over a distance of 1,500 kilometers along the south coast of England. His goal is to collect 750 kilograms of litter, and he is doing this to raise funds for the Marine Conservation Society, an organization dedicated to marine conservation. Ben was inspired to take on this challenge after visiting Canada, where he saw the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it. He mentioned, 'Starting to weigh what I have been picking up has been eye-opening. I have been picking up a lot of plastic fishing lines. ' This statement highlights the significant amount of waste that ends up in our oceans and the need for action to protect marine life. Ben has been actively involved in this project by walking and paddleboarding, even hiking home from his job in London. His efforts are aimed at raising awareness and funds for the Marine Conservation Society, and he is making great progress. He believes that if we take better care of our environment, the UK could resemble the natural beauty of Canada. He hopes to witness more wildlife during his outings this summer. Last year, Ben cycled an impressive 7,500 kilometers to support the Sussex Dolphin Project, where he volunteers. His motivation for this challenge stemmed from a long-distance relationship with his partner, who lived in Vancouver. The initial cycling challenge was designed to match the distance of a flight from London to Vancouver, which is about 7,500 kilometers. Now, Ben is continuing to take on challenges inspired by that same distance. He is currently about two-thirds of the way through his fundraising initiative called Movement for Nature, which he started in January. This initiative includes walking back from his job in Paddington, London, to Brighton, a journey that took him through beautiful areas like the Surrey Hills and Lewes over a weekend. Ben is also planning to return to Canada later this year, where he intends to tackle a mountain bike climb through the stunning British Columbian mountains. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the environment. By taking small steps, such as cleaning up litter and being mindful of our plastic usage, we can all contribute to the protection of our oceans and wildlife. Ben's dedication to this cause is inspiring, and it encourages others to join in the effort to make a positive change for our planet.