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Paralympian Ellie Simmonds has visited West Kirby beach as part of a campaign against plastics polluting the sea.
The clean-up was co-hosted by Surfers Against Sewage and Team England in an initiative which forms part of the King's Baton Relay and aims to remove one million pieces of plastic from Commonwealth oceans before the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Ellie told BBC Radio Merseyside: "We live on an island, we live close to rivers, we live close to lakes, we've also got amazing nature as well and it's really important that we all do our bit to protect our waters, to protect our oceans, to protect our nature so everyone for years to come can enjoy it."
Writing about the visit, Helen Tandy from Surfers Against Sewage, said: "As a champion swimmer, she understands first-hand the importance of clean, healthy waterways—not just for athletes, but for everyone.
"Through her involvement in the King’s Baton Relay and wider Commonwealth initiatives, she’s helping to shine a spotlight on the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution, bringing a sense of energy, visibility and even friendly competition to the cause.
"Her passion for water and sport translates into a powerful message: protecting our waterways is a shared responsibility, and one worth striving for together."
Photo credit: Helen Tandy/Eco Communities
