Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Ariana Grande

Hate That I Made You Love Me

Listen Live

Harrogate MP seeks schoolgirl behind environmental plea

Monday, 28 July 2025 08:51

Tom Gordon MP (left) is hoping to track down 10-year-old environmental champion Sasha.

Local MP Tom Gordon is appealing for help to find a young girl who wrote him a heartfelt letter about ocean conservation and the threat of bottom trawling.

The handwritten note, signed by “Sasha H, aged 10, Young Leader,” expressed deep concern about marine damage and urged political action, referencing the work of David Attenborough and the UN Ocean Conference.

However, the letter did not include a return address, leaving Gordon unable to respond directly.

And the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough is hoping to track down Sasha, who he calls an "environmental champion."

Sasha wrote:

“I have recently seen Ocean by David Attenborough and I am shocked that Bottom Trawling fishing has ruined our Ocean.

“I am worried that this will destroy our planet — please could you mention this to Sir Keir Starmer? But I know changes are afoot.

“My personal opinion is that it shouldn’t be allowed. Imagine if the sea creatures did it to us, we wouldn’t like it.”

She continued:

“I have heard about the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France and I hope it has made a difference so we can save our Oceans.

“I am glad that not just adults care about this; I am only a young leader in Primary school. There is a type of plant in the Ocean that gives us most of our oxygen.

“The Ocean is important but some people just don’t realise. My favourite actor Bonnie Wright even made a video about it.”

Tom Gordon has shared an appeal on Facebook asking for Sasha’s parent or guardian to come forward.

Tom said he was inspired by her passion for the environment and would like to hear more about her ideas.

He is encouraging the public to help spread the word in the hopes of reconnecting with the young environmental advocate.

More from Local News

Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim

Plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been approved despite a claim the scheme amounts to the "rape of the countryside".
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from tomorrow (Wednesday)
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes

Burnsall visitors are being urged to plan ahead after the closure of a major parking field left parking in the village extremely limited.
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award

Spire Harrogate Clinic has been recognised for its high standards of cleanliness after achieving its first Gold CAP Award.
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses

A series of new daytime music courses is launching in Otley later this month, giving adults the chance to sing, play and meet new people.
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun

Families across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to make the most of a new guide to free and low-cost activities during the seven-week summer holidays.
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new partnership with Slingsby Gin.
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day

Children at Partou nurseries across the country, including Woodlands Harrogate Day Nursery and Pre-school, have marked International Mud Day by rolling up their sleeves for a marathon session of messy, hands-on fun.
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show to celebrate 50th anniversary

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month with a special programme of horticultural displays, competitions and family activities.
Ripon swimming sensation secures dream move to US university

A Ripon swimming star is set to take her talents to the United States after earning a place at an American university.
First look at Ripon Workhouse Museum after £2.8million refurb

Ripon's Workhouse Museum has reopened after a £2.8 million redevelopment that promises to immerse visitors in the realities of Victorian life.