The Marine Conservation Society has launched an imaginative fundraising programme - by offering people a near-infinite choice of sponsored journeys to undertake.

Coastal, inland, on or under water, you can walk, run, hike, cycle, swim, sail, row, paddle, snorkel or, of course, go scuba. Whatever takes your fancy - hopping in a sack would do, as long as you know the distance to be travelled and get sponsored for it.

MCS biologist Jean-Luc Solandt, for example, has reportedly volunteered to cycle the notorious Tour de France hill at Mont Ventoux - and we'll assume that's up, not down!

The ambitious campaign has been named the MCS Coastal Challenge, because the organisation hopes to achieve at least 11,477 sponsored miles, the length of Britain's coastline. The financial target is £50,000 or more for its work campaigning on issues affecting the health of the sea and its creatures.

The MCS certainly has its work cut out in the years ahead. BBC Seawatch presenter Kate Humble, a keen supporter of the MCS, said at the launch of the Coastal Challenge:

"The sea provides us with food, it's a great playground and it's the biggest nature reserve we have. But the sea is being exploited - used as a dumping ground for rubbish, fished until stocks are almost exhausted, and the seabed stripped bare. And just like the land, the sea is feeling the effects of global warming."

The MCS Coastal Challenge will end on June 8, World Oceans Day, next year. For those interested in taking part, the MCS can provide useful fundraising packs - and promises t-shirts carrying the logo 'MCS Champion' to anyone who can raise more than £100.

MCS - 01989 566017.

Related links
MCS website

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