Grandfather Passes Away Before Claiming Litter-Picking Honour as National Clean-Up Drive Gains Momentum
Retiree Derek Cole, aged 92 from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, has been posthumously awarded the Litter Legend category in the Keep Britain Tidy awards. Nominated by his daughter, who hailed him as a "hero," "legend," and "inspiration," Derek was known for litter-picking his street twice weekly, even using a stick or frame after recent operations. Sadly, he died in December before learning of his win, with his family accepting the award at a House of Commons event earlier this month.
National Spring Clean Initiative Surpasses 370,000 Bag Pledge
The 11th Great British Spring Clean, organised by Keep Britain Tidy and supported by the Daily Mirror, has already garnered pledges to fill over 370,000 bags of litter. Running until March 29, this mass-action campaign encourages volunteers to protect wildlife, beaches, and green spaces across the UK.
Volunteers Highlight Impact of Roadside Litter on Wildlife
Among the participants is Callum MacLean, 34, a communications manager at National Highways and a runner-up in the Keep Britain Tidy awards. Through humorous videos, he exposes the dangers of rubbish dumped on roads, including discarded tyres, fancy dress costumes, and even a bag of cash. Callum warns that litter attracts wildlife to roadsides, leading to an estimated three million animal deaths annually from food and drink residue.
Callum stated: "Litter threatens wildlife living alongside our roads. It also puts road users and those who have to pick it up at risk. People think throwing an apple core out of the window is fine, but it encourages wildlife to come closer to roads and is often fatal."
Alarming Littering Statistics Revealed
A National Highways study found that 22% of UK adults admitted to littering on or near roadsides in the past year, while 62% of licence holders acknowledge that litter can injure or kill animals. This highlights a critical need for increased public awareness and action.
Young Litter Legend Inspires Community Efforts
Schoolgirl Abigail Comben, 11, from Sunderland, won the Young Litter Legend award after collecting over 5,000 litres of litter near Blakeney Woods. Over three years, she dedicated 84 hours to 42 community tidy-ups, with judges praising her "infectious" passion. Last Easter, she created an animated film with friends to promote environmental care among youth.
Derek Cole's Legacy and Family Tributes
Derek's daughter, Susan Cole, shared: "Dad was well known locally as he was very community minded. Litter picking was just one of the many things he did to help out. He would have been thrilled to receive the award. His neighbours have told me they're now carrying on what he started. We are all so honoured that he was chosen and proud that he has left a litter picking legacy."
How to Join the Great British Spring Clean
Since its inception in 2016, the Great British Spring Clean has seen over 4.5 million bags of litter pledged. Individuals or groups can participate by signing up at keepbritaintidy.org to contribute to this nationwide environmental campaign.
