One Person Can Make a Difference?
This weekend, I was part of the Brighton SAS Reps team, running the Paddle Out protest.
At dinner that night, friends asked me, “How can what you do really make a difference?”
And here’s my answer.
Change has to start somewhere—and I want it to start with me.
You have to be the change you want to see and you can’t underestimate the power of being you and the ripple effect you can create.
I want to show my support for a cause and show my teenage boys that you have to show up in life to make a difference!
This weekend proved beyond doubt that when individual actions are combined with the dedication of SAS Rep crews, the energy of local volunteers, and the backing of an incredible HQ support team, real momentum builds.
What begins as one person showing up becames thousands, standing wetsuit to wetsuit across 43 locations around the UK.
It’s the people who DO SOMETHING that move the compass direction, who apply pressure, and who draw attention to what isn’t right.
In a world where apathy is easy, and a swipe of a screen moves the problem on!
One person taking part means time, energy, and belief in the bigger picture.
It’s easy to feel small in the face of big issues. But change doesn’t start with a crowd—it starts with you.
That’s the power of turning up to an event, talking about what you believe in, posting online, writing about your experience, and sharing it with others.
On Saturday, thousands of people across the UK came together in support of the national Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) campaign. What began as individual choices became a powerful, united protest.
How One Person Makes a Difference
Change doesn’t happen in just one moment. It happens before, during, and after.
Before the Event
Across the country, SAS regional reps were working tirelessly behind the scenes.
They handled logistics, submitted paperwork, coordinated with councils and police, managed safety plans, built online momentum, and gathered volunteers.
Each one brought the event to life—one action, one message, one call at a time.
On the Day
Thousands of individuals showed up to take part.
Swimmers. Paddleboarders. Kayakers. Surfers. Locals and visitors. Families, kids and dogs.
People came in fancy dress, with bold slogans, handmade placards, custom T-shirts, sea shanties, poems, mermaid tails, and, most importantly, with heart.
MPs stood with their communities.
Athletes showed solidarity.
Environmental campaigners amplified the cause.
Journalists and press photographers captured the story.
What we saw on the day was an inspiring mix of seasoned protestors, first-timers, and young protestors stepping up to protect their future.
That kind of intergenerational unity gave the day even more meaning and momentum.
Each event had its creative twist:
• “Pirates Against Poo” stormed the Norfolk shoreline
• Smellerman led a rousing sea shanty in Scarborough
• A giant sand art in Whitby captured the message powerfully
• Ruffles the Drag Queen brought sparkle and strength to Brighton beach
• In Brighton, we were also proud to be joined by Peyton Vella, a wheelchair user advocating for accessible water spaces for disabled people
• Darth Vader joined the resistance in Southend-on-Sea
• A surfskate paddle out made waves in London
• In Cambridge, the message floated through town with a creative “punt and paddle” protest
• And Dr. Catherine Kelly from @bluespaces_uk shared powerful words on the connection between clean water and wellbeing
These weren’t just protests. They were statements of community, creativity, and conviction—each echoing the same message:
Clean water. Accountability. Action. Now.
After the Event
The movement didn’t end with the sunset.
We talked to friends and families.
We posted photos, videos, and reflections.
We kept the energy alive—online and offline.
And many of us asked: What’s next?
What Happens Next?
This doesn’t stop with one protest. It grows.
• We email our MPs
• We sign petitions
• We volunteer at beach cleans
• We support SAS campaigns
• We stay informed about what our water companies aren’t doing—and what our government should be doing
Awareness becomes action.
Action becomes pressure.
Pressure creates change.
A Wave of Emotion
I know, from reading the messages in the SAS reps’ WhatsApp group—that there was a real sense of collective pride after the day.
We did something. Together. And it mattered.
I was standing in the sea that day, and I felt a wave of emotion.
Our Brighton event was just one of many, but knowing we were part of a nationwide movement gives what you are doing a sense of power!
We came together for the same reason: to demand cleaner, safer water.
And we showed what’s possible when people show up and care.
With Love from the Brighton Crew
After an event to be proud of, we sat together, ate fish and chips, and shared a well-earned pint.
Big thanks and Big love to:
HQ rep Clare Osborn, and Brighton Lead @stu_Davies
Big thanks and big love to:
@lowwastedaisyv, @miss.delamare, @atlanta.cook, Anna, Andrew, @bmore_jesse, @zoe, and all those who helped behind the scenes. Including our Kayakers and Surf Lifeguards
We came together to make a difference.
And we did.
Lots of love,
The Brighton Crew 💙
Nicky Chisholm aka PinkNicky is a seasoned Project Manager with a passion for the adventure and outdoor industry. I specialise in:
- Fundraising strategies
- Brand Ambassador programs
- Bold marketing campaigns for expeditions and charity events
- Eye-catching PR stunts
I bring energy, creativity, and grit to every project. I run a blog dedicated to empowering women, empty nesters, and adventurous souls to embrace life’s next chapter with enthusiasm and spirit. I am a brand ambassador for Adventure Mind and Surfers against Sewage and have recently completed a cross-country ski expedition in Finland.
With years of hands-on adventure experience from wingwalking, searching for parrots in the Amazon, running in Greenland or living off gird in Northern Sweden.
Adventure isn’t just my job—it’s in my DNA.
Every year I run The Big Swim, a swimming event that celebrates International Women’s Day – this year we had 1000 swimmers! I am now planning for 2026.
Fun facts: Nicky loves her camper van Daisy, Digestive biscuits, and dancing at festivals. She recently fractured her leg on an expedition in Finland and was rescued by a reindeer herder. She was last seen disappearing into the eerie Arctic sunset!