Helen Hewitt

I have been fortunate to live close to water all my life. I grew up on the Lancashire coast, where my school was yards from the sea. However, for most of my childhood, the beach was regarded as one of the most polluted coastlines in the country. Seeing the sea every day, but also the way in which it was being damaged by human action, sparked my love of the ocean and an interest in protecting it. 

Since I moved to London, over 20 years ago, I have always lived close to the Thames. I am a paddle boarder and outdoor swimmer. As a parent, I am keen to encourage a love for the water in my daughters, but also teach them about their responsibility to care for what has been entrusted to us. Equally, as a public health doctor, I recognise the huge value of both green and blue spaces to our wellbeing, but also the significant risks to health if these areas are not looked after.

I’ve been a member of SAS for a number of years. I’m really happy to now be a rep, supporting a charity I very much believe in, and encouraging my local community to do what we know we must.