Taking action to raise awareness

In August 2023, environmental activist and endurance swimmer Oly Rush completed a non-stop swim around the Greek island of Ithaca, covering approximately 37-miles (60km) in 19 hours and 41 minutes. This remarkable feat was undertaken to raise awareness about plastic pollution affecting marine environments. The funds raised from this endeavour were directed towards Project Planet Earth and Healthy Seas, organisations dedicated to combating oceanic plastic pollution and promoting marine conservation efforts. GreenFolk, a sustainability-focused recruitment firm, covered the swim’s costs so all funds could directly support the environmental initiatives of Project Planet Earth and Healthy Seas.

In May 2022, endurance swimmer and environmental activist Oly Rush became the first person to swim non-stop around Grand Cayman Island. Covering 59 miles (95.5 km) in under 37 hours, he set a Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation swim of the island. The feat raised over £19,521 for Plastic Free Cayman, a local non-profit organisation committed to reducing plastic waste in the region. ​The swim, documented by Grizzly Productions as The Grand Swim (available on WaterBear), chronicles Oly's challenging journey and its environmental message. His dedication to ocean conservation and extraordinary athletic feats have earned international recognition, inspiring communities worldwide to combat plastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems.

In 2021, Oly Rush completed a record-breaking 65-mile (105km) swim around the Isle of Wight in just 15 hours and 9 minutes, becoming the fastest person to achieve the feat. This incredible challenge was part of his ongoing mission to raise awareness about plastic pollution and protect marine life. Oly’s endurance swims not only push physical limits but also inspire global conversations around ocean conservation, making this a standout success story for Project Planet Earth.

In August 2020, Oly Rush swam the entire 100-mile (160km) stretch of the Jurassic Coast, from Orcombe Point near Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, over the course of nine days. Despite a one-day pause due to poor sea conditions, Oly’s determination helped raise £9,590 for environmental causes. Partnered by Clean Jurassic Coast founder Roy Beal, who supported him by kayak, the swim drew attention to the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site and the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution along the UK’s coastline.