Published Date:
28 December 2006
Eight-year-old Amy Jones is taking her love for dolphins one step further by raising money to help protect them in the wild.
Amy, of Shrewley Common, has written three stories called Dolphy Save the Planet Bit by Bit about Dolphy, a dolphin who, with pals Surf and Wave, has magic powers to stop disasters such as oil slicks and marine litter.
She is now looking for someone to publish her book free of charge so any money raised can be used to preserve the UK's beaches.
Amy, who is keen to care for the environment, has always been interested in dolphins and has more than 100 keepsakes as well as dolphin duvet cover and curtains.
She said: "There's nothing not to like about them. They are so kind".
The Lapworth Primary School pupil started writing stories afer her mother told her bedtime tales about Dolphy. Her friend, 14-year-old Sophie Stevens from Solihull, has drawn illustrations and together they hope to sell the stories in aid of the Marine Conservation Society, a UK charity caring for seas, shores and wildlife.
One of Amy's stories tells how Dolphy's friend nearly dies after mistaking a balloon for food and swallowing it, a problem which causes blockages in the animal's digestive system and often leads to death.
A recent survey from Beachwatch recorded an average of 1,981 items per kilometre on UK beaches, which is equivalent to one piece of litter every 50 centimetres, a 90 per cent increase compared to results from 1994.
Marine Conservation Society fundraising co-ordinator Katherine Stephenson believes it is a tragedy that wildlife suffers because of rubbish people leave behind and hopes that the stories will make people aware of the problem.
She said: "The good news is that we are working tirelessly to prevent litter from making it into our seas. If Amy gets the help she needs to print this brilliant book then hopefully another generation of animal lovers will understand the threats our marine animals face."
Already a member of the society, Amy hopes to continue helping her favourite animals when she grows up by working on a boat, taking tourists out to see dolphins in a safe way and playing the guitar to her guests at lunchtime.
She said: "I have been to lots of countries to see them and it's nice to see how their life goes."
Amy's family are supportive of her hobby. Older brother Ross,12, has bought her dolphin themed birthday and Christmas presents and her mother Caroline is proud of her achievements she said: "She is fantastic".
Anyone wanting to help Amy can call Katherine Stephenson on 01989 566017 or email her at:
Katherine@mscuk.org.
Dolphy Saves The Planet Bit by Bit, by Amy Jones
How Dolphy became boss and foiling oil.
"It was easy for the dolphins to decide who would lead the gang. Dolphy was the oldest by four months and he also had the best ideas but most of all it was because he discovered the magic tunnel and without that none of their amazing magic would happen."
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