I am cycling and litter picking the length of the country from Land's End to John O'Groats, supported by Keith Hewat, for Harrow Litter Pickers.

We will be covering around 1000 miles in 10 days litter picking at every stop (and also picking up some rubbish on the move).

We are aiming to show how much our beautiful country is blighted by litter and how we can change this. We are also raising money for Harrow Litter Pickers who have transformed our local area whilst creating a wonderful community of amazing people.

Harrow Litter Pickers clean up the London borough of Harrow. But it is not just about litter, it is about bringing community together and creating an inclusive space for everyone to get some exercise, meet new friends, and make a difference.

Real and lasting change in our neighbourhoods happens when people choose to get involved. Harrow Litter Pickers build community from the ground up, one piece of litter at a time. Pride in a local area and community is not automatic or inherited. It is built through action, engagement, shared effort, warmth, welcoming and care for the places we live.

Harrow Litter Pickers transforms areas and brings people together, creating community and acting as a vehicle for friendship, exercise and good mental health. They bring people together across age, language and background.

In a borough as rich in diversity as Harrow, these connections with members of the community matter. Harrow Litter Pickers show what active participation can achieve. From a single litter pick to leading a project, every contribution strengthens the community. Working alongside council, schools, police, businesses and community groups, they are helping to build pride, improve safety and bring people together to build a stronger, cleaner, happier and more connected Harrow.

Awards:

Rayners Lane Community Garden: CleanupUK’s Davina Hodson Awards - Best Transformation of an Area - Winner RHS London in Bloom – “It’s Your Neighbourhood” Award, graded Thriving

Harrow Litter Pickers: BBC London Make a Difference Awards – Highly Commended (Green Award). Features on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Breakfast, and The Times. Spogomi UK Qualifiers – 3rd place, representing Harrow nationally. Harrow’s Heroes – three members nominated, with one overall winner.

What people say Volunteer voices

“To be honest with you, I have a mental disability and depression. Going out with a purpose helps me more than you think. I do something nice for the community and my health improves. Thank you!”

“On a personal note, I have made very good friends, my fitness is steadily improving and behind me is a blazing trail of cleanliness.”

“I do not need to join a gym. My gym equipment was provided free of charge and my activities do not only benefit myself. I plan to repay the kindness shown by the little acts of kindness I now perform by myself, not just at the weekends.”

“The camaraderie when doing litter picking as a group makes something that could be a boring chore into a fun filled activity.”

“Yes, we’re out there trying to improve our surroundings, but in doing so, we gain purpose, connection, and a sense of achievement. Volunteering can lift your mood, boost confidence, and create meaningful relationships. It’s not just about what you give; it’s very much about what you get back.”

“Never met such a bunch of passionate, positive, determined and generally "can do" people, not to mention the amazing camaraderie, support, fun and friendship that exists.”

“I have most enjoyed meeting everyone who is helping in their own ways, and being astonished at the sheer level of work going on unnoticed.”

Community voices

“This area has been a concern for a long time… but what’s been most inspiring is the community’s willingness to act. Our group has quietly grown into one of the largest litter-picking groups in the country - a true testament to volunteer power.”