Hi, my name is Amanda and I’m raising funds to join an inspiring 10-day all-women research voyage with eXXpedition South Pacific III in June 2026. Travelling from my home in Cornwall, I will join the crew in Tonga to help collect vital scientific data on ocean plastic pollution.

Every minute, plastic enters our oceans — harming wildlife, ecosystems and communities around the world. This expedition contributes to groundbreaking scientific research to better understand how plastic moves from land to sea and to help identify solutions.

Join me in helping to inspire others to keep learning, try new things and take action — because ordinary people working together really can make a difference.

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FROM CORNWALL TO TONGA

Although the expedition takes place in the South Pacific, my journey begins at home in Cornwall.

I will travel to Tonga to join the research voyage, sailing between Pangaimotu Wharf in Nuku’alofa and Neiafu in Vava’u, Tonga. During the expedition our crew will work alongside scientists to study how plastic pollution moves from communities into the ocean. We will collect valuable data from some of the world’s most remote waters to help map the sources and scale of plastic pollution.

The learning will not stop there. Before and after the voyage I plan to connect the research back to Cornwall through my role as Coordinator for the Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation, working with Plastic Free Falmouth and Wreck Free Fal and Helford to explore local plastic pollution challenges and share insights from the expedition.

By linking local action in Cornwall with global research in the Pacific, I hope to help raise awareness and encourage practical steps to reduce plastic entering our seas.

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WHAT WE WILL BE DOING ON THE EXPEDITION

During the voyage our crew will contribute to important scientific research by:

• Collecting and analysing microplastics from the ocean surface

• Conducting coastal litter surveys and beach transects

• Investigating how plastic flows from communities into the ocean

• Working with local experts and communities to explore solutions

The research helps build a clearer understanding of plastic pollution pathways and supports efforts to prevent plastic entering the ocean in the first place.

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MY COMMITMENT

Taking part in this expedition requires a significant personal commitment. I will personally contribute at least half of the total cost, including my international travel and accommodation (around £4,000).

I am seeking support to help cover the eXXpedition participation fee (£4,490).

Transparency is very important to me. Any funds raised beyond 50% of my total expedition costs will be shared equally between:

• eXXpedition to support their ongoing research and education work and — two fantastic local initiatives working to reduce plastic pollution in Cornwall:

• Plastic Free Falmouth

• Wreck Free Fal and Helford

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STAYING CONNECTED WITH THE JOURNEY

I am keen to share the experience and learning from the expedition as widely as possible.

Throughout the journey I will share updates, photos and reflections on the research and the voyage. After returning, I plan to give talks and share what we learned with local communities, schools, organisations and businesses interested in ocean protection and reducing plastic pollution.

If you support this fundraiser, I would love you to follow the journey and be part of the conversation about how we can all play a role in protecting our oceans.

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WHY THIS MATTERS TO ME PERSONALLY

Whilst I have always loved learning, taking part in a Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) sailing voyage firmly reinforced my belief that every day is a school day. The TSYT adult voyages raises funds to support their charitable work to empower young people — particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds — through transformational sailing experiences.

During that voyage our crew sailed through a Force 9 storm. It was intense but also inspiring. By working together, supporting one another and trusting the team around us, we were able to navigate the storm and achieve far more than any of us could have done alone.

That experience showed me the remarkable power of sailing voyages to build teamwork, confidence and resilience. It also gave me the confidence to return to university and complete a Masters in Sustainable Business Management.

Joining this expedition feels like a continuation of that journey — combining adventure, teamwork and learning while contributing to something bigger than ourselves: protecting our seas.

If this voyage inspires even a few people to take action for our oceans, then it will have been worthwhile.

P.S. I've now had a go at Blogs, Vlogs, YouTube video making, Insta reels, Canva and Photopea, if I can cope with all this I feel I am ready for this story telling stuff, but I cannot do this alone. I am really hoping you will support us spread the word, ... to support us tell this story of how we can all do stuff to save our seas. Thank you!

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

Together, from Cornwall to the Pacific, we can all play a part in turning the tide on ocean plastic.

If you are able to contribute — no matter how small — I would be hugely grateful.

Your support will help make this expedition possible and contribute to a wider mission to protect the oceans that sustain all life on Earth.

And if you can’t donate, sharing this page with friends, family and colleagues would mean just as much.

Thank you for being part of the journey.