Beacon Magazine Isle of Wight

Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Ocean Activitist Attempts Record-Breaking Swim Around Isle of Wight

Sunday, 11 July 2021 06:00

By Amy Shephard @words_by_amy

Ocean activist Oliver Rush is attempting a record-breaking swim around the Isle of Wight in under 26 hours, to help raise awareness for plastic pollution.

The man behind Instagram account and conservation venture, Project Planet, is also going to be raising funds for charities committed to cleaning up our seas and beaches, during the world record attempt in August.

An adjudicator from the Guinness Book of Records will hopefully be in attendance at the swim, which will start and finish in Seaview.

Oliver said:

"Plastic pollution is widespread, and I have an overwhelming urge to do as much as I can to clean it up and implement change. I'm fortunate enough to work closely with two organisations, Clean Jurassic Coast CIC and Oceans To Earth CIC. We carry out vital work along the Jurassic coastline and in local education. This year's swim will be aimed at raising awareness about the devastating impact we
are having on the planet.”

The 65 mile route around the Island is said to have only been completed four or five times in the past. Last year, Oly swam 100 miles in 10 days, over the entire Jurassic coast to raise money for the same worthy cause.

If you would like to sponsor a piece of Oliver's equipment, or make a donation, visit www.projectplanet.earth

More from Features

Inshore Lifeboat Centre to Mark RNLI's 200th Birthday

This year marks the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s 200th anniversary – and to celebrate, events will go on all year.
Newport Bombing Victim Officially Recognised by Common Wealth War Graves Commission

More than 80 years after eight Luftwaffe planes dropped bombs on Newport, a campaign to have one man officially recognised as a victim, has finally been successful.
Five Isle of Wight Dancers to Represent England in Global Dance Open Finals

Five young dancers from the Isle of Wight have been chosen to represent England in a prestigious dance competition in The Netherlands this summer.
NEW COMPETITION: Win A Luxury Hamper For National Pet Day

To celebrate National Pet Day Today (April 11), we're offering you the chance to win a luxury hamper of treats for your pet - just have a go at our Facebook competition!
Schools Walk The Wight is Back

After a record-breaking year, Walk the Wight is back for 2024 on Sunday 12 May 2024.
How a Popular Ryde Shop Helps Buyers Reduce, Re-use and Recycle

As people become more and more conscious about the products they buy –and how it might affect the environment, we take a look at a popular Ryde shop, which makes it easy for buyers to reduce, reuse and recycle!
Summer Dates Announced For Ryde's Big Beach Weekender

Following a year out due to the closure of Robin Hill last year, it has been confirmed that The Woodland Sessions will relaunch this summer as The Big Beach Weekender.
Isle Of Wight Red Squirrel Hotspots To Look Out For This Easter

Easter is a particularly good time to look for red squirrels on the Isle of Wight as natural food sources are becoming more abundant and they are anxious to build up their strength and fat reserves after winter.
Purple Twist For Newport's Annual Aspire Easter Duck Race

This year's Aspire duck race will take place on Saturday March 30 at Shide Trees, Newport, with a 1pm start time.
NEW COMPETITION: Win A £50 M&S Voucher

It's fair to say everyone deserves a treat right now, so we've got a £50 M&S voucher for someone to enjoy - just give us a like or follow on our Facebook page...
Understanding Mental Health

Adele Trathan explores understanding and recognising mental health issues and ways to access help.
Totland Reflections: The Creation of a Seaside Resort

The Freshwater & Totland Archive Group is a self-funded voluntary group set up in 2010. Its aim is to establish an easily accessible archive to encourage public interest in our local history and provide a valuable community resource.
Freshwater Bookshop Shortlisted For Prestigious National Award

An Isle of Wight bookshop has made the shortlist to win a prestigious national award.
Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival Raises Over £6,000 To Help Island Charities in 2023

The Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival organisers have announced that the 2023 event raised a total of more than £6,000, with donations to be made to selected charitable causes, across the Island.
MBE Honour For Mountbatten Chief Nigel

A prominent figure in the Isle of Wight charity sector has celebrated receiving an accolade for his contributions to the local community.
The Little Sweep Remembered On Valentine’s Day

A poignant gathering was held in Newport's Church Litten on Valentine’s Day to remember ‘The Little Sweep’ Valentine Gray.
Get Fit by Joining a Regular Social Running Group

Newport’s dedicated running shop, Love Running, started a social running group a decade ago, initially aimed at less confident runners who wanted to take on a regular run with other like-minded people in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Entries For 2024 Round The Island Race Now Open

The Island Sailing Club (ISC) has announced entries are now open for the 2024 edition of Britain’s Favourite Yacht Race, the Round the Island Race, which is being held on Saturday June 15.
History: The Mystery of The Maybricks

As part of the Walking Festival, Aspire volunteer, Julie Croydon, leads the ‘Lost Crypt’ history walk around Ryde dressed as Florence Chandler Maybrick.
Feed An Isle Of Wight Family This Christmas

‘Feed a Family’ – an initiative by Aspire Ryde, with support from Isle of Wight Radio – will relaunch next week.

© Beacon Magazine Isle of Wight and Aiir 2024 | 8-10 Dodnor Park, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5XE