Seal Pup Rescuer

1655. Lizzi Larbalestier

Lizzi is also a UK Blue Mind ambassador, running coaching and support for people to overcome anxiety and mental health difficulties by connecting with water and with the UK’s coastal environments.

Lizzi said:

“I am thrilled to receive this Points of Light Award. As a blue health coach at ‘Going Coastal Blue’, and Blue Mind ambassador my aim is to promote ocean empathy encouraging each and every one of us to place the environment at the heart of our decision making.

“I am fortunate to volunteer alongside some extremely inspiring people through ‘British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and Ghostnetbusters. Our teams work tirelessly towards a shared aim of “Ocean Health” and these people are some of the most compassionate individuals you could hope to meet, work with, and learn from.

“I appreciate the opportunity this award brings to highlight the work of BDMLR a less well known 30 year old charity – unsung heroes, humble in their approach, but whose passion and tenacity shines brightly in every medic. The health of the seals and cetaceans we respond to and rescue is a great indicator of the health of our ocean and it is clear to see that due to climate change, a distinctly linear economy and a lack of ocean literacy, our marine life are struggling.

“In my role as an SAS Rep too it is evident our coastlines are in need of our help and we can all play our part. Healthy wild water is essential for our social, psychological and physical wellbeing and a collective approach to ocean advocacy is required if we are to protect this amazing planet we share space on.

“I am hopeful that this “Ocean Decade” will prompt wider participation in protecting the blue spaces that are so vital for the health of our planet and I am grateful for being recognised as one of many who are taking steps to do what we can.”

Pictured below: Lizzi with one of her rehabilitated seal pups