Sponsored Swim, Sunnyside, Sudden realisations (and stress!)

The team have had a very busy couple of weeks on the lead up to the expedition (next week!!!) with some final fundraising events, public outreach, and packing. We've been pretty overwhelmed with how quickly the expedition has come around, but can't wait to get started!

We sold Krispy Kreme donuts outside the university library, which went down a treat for those students studying for the last few exams, as well as to family and friends - and of course made sure to eat plenty ourselves!

Next up, we had our final big fundraising event - a sponsored swim of 120 lengths (each!), equalling the depth of the Red Sea. We had an early start in the Stevenson building and headed to the pool. After a couple of hours, we'd all completed the challenge, then headed for some well-earned pizza and team bonding over a few drinks! Thank you to everyone who donated!

In between times, we attended a few big events to shake our money makers and raise some extra funds for our scientific dives. The upcoming expedition and sunshine motivated us through the cold and rain!

Lastly, we had the privilege of attending Sunnyside Primary School in Glasgow. Over recent years the Egypt expedition teams have built a great relationship with this wonderful school. We were invited back this year to give a presentation to some primary 7 pupils about Egypt, our projects, coral reefs and their protection, and careers in marine biology. This was our second outreach project, and we had already met a few of the students at our previous Science Centre event. We answered all sorts of questions, and the kids were able to have a look at some dive equipment. We then listened to a very interesting presentation from a few of the pupils about their work as Ocean Defenders, their #NaeStrawAtAw campaign, and hear about some of the amazing changes they have been making and impacts they have had. The team have been absolutely blown away by the knowledge and passion the pupils have, and are inspired by their enthusiasm. We know they'll make brilliant future ambassadors for our planet's health!

With only a few days now (eek!) until the first few team members fly out to Egypt, there are some mixed emotions - mostly excitement with a mixture of apprehension - and the stress of trying to fit 7 weeks worth of sun cream into our luggage allowance!

Above all we are feeling incredibly grateful for all of the support we have received so far from friends, family, donors, sponsors and funding organisations, as well the mentors who have helped us along the way.

So a big THANK YOU to you all!!!

Watch out for our next update..... in Egypt!

- The Team x