Hi! My name is Natalia, I am 17 and am a student at St Paul’s Girls’ School.

This summer, I’m on a mission to raise £1000 in support of the Global Youth Council on Science, Law and Sustainability (GYC) in educating and empowering young people on sustainability.

This cause is very dear to me as I am deeply concerned by the suffering plastic pollution causes to animals and its growing threat to human health. Countless marine animals are injured or killed by plastic waste each year, mistaking it for food or becoming entangled. Microplastics have now entered the food chain, air, and even our bodies – with unknown but worrying health consequences. Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue; it’s a crisis harming life across our planet.

Rather than staying hopeless and angry, to contribute to these causes I have pledged to cycle 100km around England throughout August and September to raise awareness and funds for charities that are helping tackle global environmental issues, including plastic pollution and climate change.

This cycling challenge is part of a bigger campaign: the GYC 1,000km Challenge—a global movement where young people commit to walking, running, cycling or paddling 1,000km collectively, raising funds and awareness for climate action.

All funds raised will go directly to the Global Youth Council and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, who are working to empower youth, promote education, and mobilise science to protect nature and communities across the world.

I’ll be documenting my journey and sharing regular updates on my progress, so please follow along! Your support – whether through donations or spreading the word – would mean the world.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about my cause.