A teenager from Buckinghamshire has been awarded hundreds of pounds for her tireless protection of marine life.

The 16-year-old Elizabeth Pennefather, known as Lizzie, took on the challenge to walk the Cumbrian Coastal Way this summer after finishing her GCSEs.

While walking the 120-mile journey from Duddon Bridge to the Esk Bridge near Gretna Green in Scotland, Lizzie is volunteering with Cumbria Wildlife Trust and fundraising to protect the part of Cumbria close to her heart through family ties.

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She recently received a £500 prize from Marsh Charitable Trust for her fundraising and volunteering.

Lizzie, from Seer Green, said: “Like many of my school friends, I have become very aware of the damage that we are doing to our environment and I am especially concerned about the impact of pollution and climate change on our seas and on the abundant life they support.

“I recently attended a pageant and was impressed by the positive impact that some of my fellow contestants had been making in their local communities.

“This inspired me to take action to help improve the environment rather than simply sitting at home worrying about it.”

The cash prize is a second big accolade for Lizzie, who was recently also announced as one of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Nature Heroes

Lizzie’s award is “very well deserved” as the Irish Sea and its precious habitats need protection, said Lucy Mather, Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s project officer.

She added: “Together with other Wildlife Trusts in the North West, we’re working hard to protect and restore key habitats and species in the Irish Sea, and working with local communities, so they can see how amazing our local coastline and its wildlife is. Lizzie is a great asset – we’re very grateful for her support and wish her all the very best as she continues on her long walk to Gretna Green!”

Lizzie's fundraising page can be found here. 

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