Angela Jones, a former successful businesswoman, has made a courageous and selfless decision to sacrifice her comfortable lifestyle for the noble cause of advocating for river health in Wales. Her once thriving business, which involved adventure and wild swimming activities, has been severely impacted by the alarming levels of pollution in rivers across the region. Angela’s journey to becoming a champion for river health began seven years ago when she discovered the extent of water pollution caused by sewage, agriculture, and industry while swimming in the rivers Usk and Wye in southeast Wales.
Realising the urgent need to address the deteriorating state of the rivers, Angela took it upon herself to lead a campaign involving hundreds of volunteers who monitor water quality and report pollution incidents. Armed with scientific data and a dedicated team of citizen scientists, Angela’s efforts have shed light on the dire situation of the rivers, revealing failures in sewage treatment works and combined sewer overflows that are harming the ecosystem. Despite facing financial challenges and personal sacrifices, Angela remains steadfast in her commitment to protecting the environment and wildlife.
Angela’s relentless advocacy for river health has seen her invest most of her savings into equipment and initiatives aimed at holding polluters accountable. Her impactful work has drawn attention to the urgent need for stricter regulations and practices to safeguard the country’s water bodies. While her business has suffered a significant downturn due to the unsafe conditions of the rivers, Angela remains resolute in her mission to bring about positive change, even if it means living a minimalist lifestyle.
At 58 years old, Angela views her environmental activism as a vital chapter in her life’s journey, prioritising the well-being of the rivers and wildlife over personal comfort. Despite facing backlash and threats from detractors, Angela’s determination to make a difference through her advocacy for river health remains unwavering. She believes that grassroots efforts and collective action are crucial in pushing for meaningful change and ensuring a sustainable future for Wales’ rivers.
Having made personal sacrifices and endured financial hardships, Angela continues to dedicate her time and resources to raising awareness about the pressing issues surrounding river pollution. Her unwavering commitment to environmental conservation serves as an inspiration to others, embodying the spirit of activism and perseverance in the face of adversity. Angela’s story exemplifies the power of individual actions in driving impactful change and advocating for the protection of natural resources for future generations.