Memorial to Exmouth woman who died in plane crash unveiled on Exe Estuary Trail

A memorial to an Exmouth woman who died in a plane crash has now been unveiled on the Exe Estuary Trail.

Joanna Toole, who grew up in the town, was killed along with 156 others when Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 crashed on 10 March 2019.

Ms. Toole, 36, was working for the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation at the time and was en route to the UN Environment Assembly in Kenya to give a presentation on ocean plastic pollution.

Three years on, a resolution to end plastic pollution by forging an international legally binding treaty by 2024 was endorsed by the Assembly last week.

A delegate at the Assembly praised Joanna's work, writing: "Joanna's input and expertise on plastic matters have been an invaluable guidance and I have used many of her briefings and input for this work. This is very much also her win."

The memorial

Friends and family of Ms. Toole met last Saturday 5 March for the unveiling of her memorial by Exmouth Mayor Steve Gazzard and Councillor Richard Scott.

The memorial, consisting of a renovated bench and sculpture plaque, had been planned by Joanna's father and Exmouth resident Adrian Toole for over two years.

It was realised with the co-operation of Devon County Council and with help from professionals and volunteers, including design by Jo 'Salty' Salter, metalwork by Anthony Doble, and landscape design by Graham Bell of Exmouth in Bloom.

Its location on the Exe Estuary Trail was chosen as Joanna would frequently exercise on the route when she was home in Exmouth.

The sculpture plaque reads: "As you pause here to enjoy the view, think of Joanna Toole from Exmouth who ran many times on this trail.

"Jo's life mission was to protect animals, including marine creatures. She wants you to think not only on what you can see but also on all the hidden life below.

"Born Exeter 7 March 1983, died Ethiopia 10 March 2019. Scan the QR code to learn about Jo's work."

Mayor of Exmouth Steve Gazzard said: "It was an honour to attend the veiling of the memorial for Jo, it was a wonderful tribute to her hard work and dedication; now her memory will live on in Exmouth."

Adrian Toole, Joanna's father, said: "I'm so pleased to have this memorial to Jo in her home town.

"My colleagues in the Joanna Toole Foundation and I have many other initiatives around the world to keep her name and her mission alive but this is something tangible and local that I am very proud of.

"My thanks to all who have helped with the project."

Click here to find out more or donate to the Joanna Toole Foundation, and here to read about the UN Environment Assembly's latest resolution on ocean plastic pollution.

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