by Lorraine Gibson
In our recent story about Wimborne schoolgirl Scarlet Sutcliffe’s mission to clean a beach a week to raise funds for her public-spirited trip to Cambodia, she’d already cleared eight of her 60-miles target.
The total’s since grown, as has her list of odd discarded items, which includes proof that, while many beachgoers are messy, they’re also dentally fastidious.
“There’s been a surprising amount of dental floss sticks,” says Scarlet, who’s planning more fundraisers.
“I’ve completed 35 miles and have 25 left to do. A friend joined us on two cleans supports me on Instagram, and some generous members of the public donated money to my go Fund-me page as a ‘thank you’ – it is very rewarding!”
Scarlet often uses social media to further her progress.
“My Instagram and Facebook accounts, Challenge_Cambodia_2024, have really helped me get the word out, but local press, such as this, is key in spreading awareness.
“We’ll be heading towards Burton Bradstock, Eype and the West Bay Area for the last leg of the journey.”
The Cambodia Expedition, in which she’ll be part of a team of young volunteers, works with rural communities on projects that raise educational and living standards; she will also assist with wildlife and environmental conservation programmes.
As well as litter-picking, Scarlet’s held other events to raise the £4,500 needed for her trip.

“So far, I’ve raised £1,000 with a skittles evening, Christmas Tree collection, school cake sales and the beach clean.”

“My latest event was an Easter Scavenger Hunt around Wimborne. Every child taking part got a small chocolate egg but there were bigger prizes on offer, thanks to local sponsors.”
To support Scarlet see @challenge cambodia_2024 on Facebook and Instagram, or visit gofund.me/6fe6914d.