For most kids, the lead up to their 12th birthday would be a time buzzing with excitement, thinking about the great presents they might get and looking forward to being thoroughly spoiled for the day.
But one girl who is turning 12 today has decided to instead make her birthday about giving something and making a positive contribution to the world - and this year that involves ORCA.
Nattie, who lives in London, had a lot of birthday disruption coming out of the pandemic, and so when she was asked what she wanted to make it extra special, she said she didn't need any presents and instead wanted people to donate money to charity instead. That started an annual tradition that has been running ever since, with Nattie choosing a cause close to her heart for friends and family to donate to each March.
Amongst the causes that Nattie has chosen has been an orphanage in Kenya, an orangutan sanctuary in Borneo and a charity supporting people affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
Animals have always been close to Nattie's heart, at one point describing her career ambition as being to become "the next David Attenborough but with a twist", and, as a keen sailor, whales and dolphins have always fascinated her.
Her mum, Angela, tells us more, saying: "She really likes whales and dolphins because they are so smart - they communicate in all sorts of ways we don't understand. Nattie has a lot of admiration for the family and social connections of whales. They look after each other and keep their pods safe and fed."
Nattie raised over £7,000 for charities during her time at primary school through her fundraising, and the entire ORCA team are so delighted that she's chosen to raise money for our work protecting whales and dolphins.
Sally Hamilton, ORCA CEO, said: "Nattie is such a remarkable young lady, and is doing an amazing thing to play her part in actively protecting whales and dolphins around the UK and beyond. We're really proud that she's chosen to support our work, and hope our supporters will donate to help her reach her goal."
To find out more and donate today, visit Nattie's JustGiving Page.