Just can't be bothered!

Conor is a frequent visitor to the Clean up Prostate Cancer facebook page. I’ve mentioned him here before. We met when I was out on a collection a couple of months ago. He’d headed out to do a run but noticing me at work he chipped in. He continues to collect, particularly around one of West Lancashire’s most popular viewpoints, Clieve’s Hill. That is where he took this photo. In his own words “Even though there are bins, there are rich pickings where the cars park up on the other side of the road!!!” Pity the passengers can’t manage to take just a few steps to get rid of their rubbish or, if they can’t be bothered, take it home.

Three is a magic number

Skelmersdale Rd, Bickerstaffe just keeps on giving both good and bag. 3 more sacks of rubbish, that is a total of 7 in just 0.6 of a mile. That’s more or less 1000yds or one bag every 173yds. A bit geeky but it does illustrate how much rubbish can accumulate on a country road where collections are rarely made. In the UK that is.

On a brighter note I did give out 3 Know your Prostate leaflets, one went to Charlie, out cycling to strengthen muscles after a cartiledge op. The others were given to 2 ladies walking the dogs. Both had had their own brush with cancer, brest cancer that is, they were pleased to take leaflets to pass on to their husbands. Strangely both they and Charlie mentioned samples given to be tested for bowel cancer recently but nothing about PSAs.

Clean up Prostate Cancer is on countdown for a couple of milestones which continue the theme of 3s. 3 more bags of litter to reach a total of 50 and 3 more leaflets to distribute and I’ll have hit 50 of those too. Not bad going in 4 months.

Hope all is well with everyone. My best wishes to those who are facing a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer. It can be overwhelming, please do ask for help in finding your way forward. Wherever you are there is a support network whether it is within the medical system or within your community. It can help to share your thoughts and experiences with others facing the challenge.

Very special bag of potatoes is now open to offers

OK following my last post about how Clean up Prostate Cancer became the very grateful recipient of a 25kg bag of potatoes yesterday. If you don't already know the story check it out. I’m sure John had no intention his generosity would be made public but I feel it is such a wonderful gesture I should share it. I have decided the best way to make John Appleton’s deeply moving gift grow and help to spread the word about Prostate Cancer is to invite offers. I could plant or eat the potatoes but instead I am inviting our visitors to buy them with proceeds going to Prostate Cancer UK. There are two ways of making an offer either hit the contact button and make your offer here on Clean up Prostate Cancer's blogspot or message me on Clean up Prostate Cancer’s facebook page. For reasons of delivery I’m afraid the offer is only open to residents of the West Lancashire, Southport, Formby and Maghull areas. Payment will be on delivery. The highest offer received by October 4^th will enjoy these very special potatoes and I hope they enjoy every mouthful, knowing their story.

This is the bag of potatoes

Surprise potatoes

I continued along Skelmersdale Rd, Bickerstaffe this morning. The fields all around were busy with potato picking while was collecting plastic bottles, doggy bags and wet wipes. I enjoy the sounds of harvest, it transports me back to my childhood, we grew potatoes and in those days helper stood on the machine sorting out the stones and clods of mud. A proper dirty job for a child.

Excellent timing following my last post because John Appleton, the farmer, pulled up to say hello. We chatted about my project and different farming thoughts. John was busy but took the time to show how appreciative he was of what I was doing. We both went back to work and I did think that was it. You can imagine my surprise on returning to my car to pack up to find this 25kg bag of potatoes propped against the back wheel. I confess after the first beaming smile I felt a bit overwhelmed. 

Such a good, traditional way of expressing thanks. I’m working on plans to make John’s generous gift grow. No I’m not going to plant the potatoes, this very special bag will be advertised locally inviting offers with proceeds going to Prostate Cancer UK. Watch out for the notification.

Say hello.

Headed out to Skelmersdale Rd, Bickerstaffe this lovely afternoon. This had to be the speediest collection to date, 2 bulging bags in 1 1/2hrs. I reckon that it usually takes around an hour for each bag. To be honest when I started out there didn’t seem to be much but the verge was higher than the hedge bottom and loads of stuff had gathered just out of sight from the road. Seems to be a mug theme developing I found 2 of them today separated by about 10 yards. Then there were the two hub caps. Tempting fate here but I don’t think I’ve ever lost a hub cap, a whole wheel once, that was a bit exciting.

I also met a very nice couple out walking who accepted a leaflet although the gentleman is already having PSA checked. Good stuff. They were very supportive about my project and I hope to hear from them on the Clean up Prostate Cancer facebook page. Perhaps you would like to visit me there too or simply leave a comment here just to say hello.

Pass 4 Prostate

I realise that there are whole chunks of the World who have no idea what Rugby Union is. I’m hardly qualified to explain, even though I have watched a few games over the last 45years or so. Just to let you know the World Cup is on. In England. It all kicks off today, England v Fiji, 8pm BST. Population wise you may think this is a bit of a mismatch, those Flying Fijians can play and the cibi will really set the tone. England can't afford to make any mistakes. What a match to get us all hooked (pun)!

Pass4prostate is a timely joint venture between USA Eagles and Australia Rugby Union sponsored by Astellas. You may need to brush up on your rugby skills as it involves you filming a pass. Astellas will donate $5 to prostate cancer research and advocacy organizations for every qualifying #pass4prostate submission posted to Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, up to a maximum contribution of $125,000. It’s simple for you to make your submission just click on the link to find out the details. To ensure Astellas make the maximum donation 25000 people have to act and maybe we can persuade Astellas to up the limit if we inundate them.

The Rugby World is changing, women are being seen in the media and on TV playing not just brewing up and dishing out the sandwiches which has to be progress. However, traditionally, the image has been of brutal encounters between gladiators intent on out manoevring if not actually demolishing the opposition. Testosterone fills the air, not only on the field. There are the greats and the moments which live long in the memory, the longer you’ve lived the more there are.

Obvious you might say but there is a point but there are a couple of names I’d like to remind you of. Tony Ward, Irish International fly half, is now a journalist and works with Irish broadcaser RTE as well as coaching. In 2012 he was diagnosed with aggressive Prostate Cancer and has received hormone therapy through an implant  and brachytherapy followed by radiotherapy. A tough regime. Tony is amazed at his own acceptance of the diagnosis, basically there are no options and wasting the life he has worrying is just not going to happen. He is optimistic it has been caught in time. He has our best wishes but I’m afraid I can’t be more enthusiastic toward the outcome for Ireland in the World Cup other than play well.

Andy Ripley OBE is the other rugby legend I want to mention. Read Ripley’s World to get to know the man who was a Liverpool born English International, a record holding rower and a participant in the series Superstars. He was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2005 by which time the cancer had already spread beyond the prostate. He posted details of his treatment and experiences and volunteered as an Ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK promoting awareness particularly in the sporting world. Sadly he lost his courageous fight against the disease in 2010 aged 62. Please do remember him and his family as you enjoy the 2015 Rugby Union World Cup.

Image courtesy of Vectorolie at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Business as usual

When I started out on rubbish collecting I had no idea how relaxing the activity would be. Wednesday morning was lovely, that slight morning chill followed by the warming sun. People were out and about and smiling. Depending on the type of rubbish, the amount and how easy it is to collect it takes the best part of 2hrs to fill a standard black bin bag. Driving passed you can see the obvious, carrier bags snagged on the hedge, drinks bottles in the gutter, garish snack packets in the grass. It is only when you get up close you find how efficiently nature is masking the detail.

They say litter attracts litter, I’m not convinced. It is everywhere. The difference is you are less  likely to find it on the kerbs and verges immediately outside a residence. Once you move away, even just across the road, you will find rubbish. That’s in England or at least in my part of the country. It is truly incredible what you find. The Father Christmas mug looked brand new, not a chip, not a crack. It can’t have been blown by the wind. So my mind wanders along paths to explain how it got to the place I found it. 

I wonder what can be done to stop the random discarding of litter and my thoughts take me back to the few days I spent in Singapore in the 90s. When you could see photos of individuals who had been caught dropping litter and there they were out on the streets, dressed in fluorescent orange, sweeping the road. I have to remind myself how opposed I am to Big Brother watching us all the time.

Hello, what's that? Furtively, I stoop down and pick up a 2p piece. It disappears rapidly into one of the many pockets I have for a collection. Haven't a clue why I feel a bit criminal. I have no idea who it belongs to, the police would laugh at me if I handed it in and the next person along who noticed it would do exactly the same. At least I'll be diverting it to a really good cause. So why do I feel like I'm doing something dishonest?

I jump to the evidence of recent campaigns against dog dirt and the owners who bag it but leave the bag on the roadside.. It has certainly worked in this area with a single exception. There is one persistent offender on Winifred lane. That dog certainly has a habit but it is the owner’s habit which is the problem. Maybe if I email Graeme in the local waste department, he will have an idea of how to cure them of it. Mental note. And anyway why wasn't this pooch cushion just put in the household waste bin? Why take it all the way to Springfield Rd and dump it?

I give myself a good shake I’m not here to campaign about litter, I just collect it. My purpose is to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer and a lone walker makes the mistake of making eye contact. It’s a man, probably in his sixties, no way is he going home without a Know your Prostate leaflet.  We chat about this and that. He accepts the leaflet. Job done.

So 2 hours disappear, I have a bag of rubbish, vitamin D levels have had a boost, there's another 2p in the Prostate Cancer UK pot, and I just may have made the difference in someone surviving Prostate Cancer.

Great North Run and Prostate Cancer

The Great North Run is a feature of national life in the UK and many charities will be represented among the runnners. Prostate Cancer is there too. I’d like to highlight some of the heroic individuals to look out for today.

·         Paul, a Prostate Cancer sufferer, is wearing number 16374 on a white background.

·         Lyn will wear 46194 on a pink background.

·         Mark Sayers has a justgiving page.

·         Jake Gibson is there running to raise money to fight the cancer which took his grandfather’s life.

·         John Allan from Springburn will be there.

·         John and Sue Young from Gilling West will be running after John received treatment for Prostate Cancer 7 years ago.

·         Joe Walters grandfather and father had the Prostate Cancer diagnosis, his grandfather’s cancer was detected too late but his father’s has been treatable. No wonder he has been inspired to run today.

·         Anth, an established triathlete is wearing 5767 to raise money for Prostate Cancer via justgiving.

·         Survivor, Tom Barker, and fellow Scarborough Athletic fan Tom Carrington are both running.

·         Chris Petrie has signed up.

These were the names I was able to pick out on a quick search of the net. I apologise if you are not featured. Everyone taking part has put an enormous effort into getting there and your contribution will help to ensure more men survive the diagnosis of Prostate Cancer.

Time to post, they’ve just started

Good luck to all!

Autumn, Geoff and the Derby Arms

Met Geoff/Jeff  as I collected 2 bags along Prescot Rd near the Derby Arms. He stopped to shake my hand and applaud the message I’m working to publicise. He knew all about Prostate Cancer, having recently been treated. He talked about his concerns that the cancer may already have escaped from the gland. He’s waiting for further tests.  He stressed the importance of catching the disease in time and was fully behind men over 50 getting tested. I didn’t ask his age but he looked not much older. We wish him well and hope his fears are unfounded.

I called in at the Derby to drop off a poster and to ask permission to use their car park. The Derby Arms, Aughton has an reputation for great beer and scrumptious braised steak. It is a very tradition pub and well worth a visit if you are passing.

It was a super afternoon, lovely sunshine with that special mellow warmth as autumn approaches. Background noise of a tractor working in the field, stacking bales, and hedgerows of blackberries and other autumn fruits. Perfect and evocative of my childhood back on the farm. Mum used to make all kinds of preserves and we would be sent out to pick anything that could be turned into jam or jelly. The thought brings back memories of the kitchen filled with the smell of jam. I wasn't collecting rosehips or blackberries yesterday. How did we become so casual with our rubbish? The photos summarise my thoughts, which of the 2 should I be collecting on a lovely late summer afternoon. Maybe 300 metres and 2 bags of rubbish. I'm going have to return to get the rest.

As a postscript I did return this afternoon and collected another 2 bags of rubbish.

 

 

August Accounts

You will remember Conor who spontaneously joined in one of my collections earlier in the summer. Well he has continued to do collections and is now officially part of the team. Thanks to him collections continued while I was away so that the August accounts actually look respectabl. So here goes

August Account

Bags collected 6 (most by Conor)
Leaflets given out 6
Income - 2p found

Thanks Conor. Here’s a photo montage of his activities over the Bank Holiday.

 

Back in business

Started back on the litter picking trail with 2 sessions this weekend on Winifred Lane and Turnpike Lane, Aughton. That's in Lancashire, England if you didn't already know. One curiosity was the discovery of parts from a piece of Magimix equipment. I’d be interested to know if anyone recognises it from the photo. It has a heating element and one piece has timing and heat dials. Basically it was fly tipped but goodness knows why, it could so easily have gone in the regular bin or been dropped off at the local council refuse centre in Burscough for no charge.

I’ve come across one of the saddest illicit stashes before but my search this time turned up a least 20 empty vodka bottles. They were thrown into the hedgerow in 2 loosely grouped areas and my thoughts have been occupied with the desparation of the person whose secret I uncovered. There is no way I can help but maybe if they realise someone has found the bottles the person will start to think about looking for professional help.

I picked up 3 bags of litter and gave out 3 leaflets as well as finding a whole 10p. Not much you may think but it will be going to Prostate Cancer UK along with my other finds and donations.

An odd development was that 2 separate people actually approached me in the belief I was fly tipping. To be fair, neither of them had actually seen me collecting the rubbish only the stack of bags. I was flabbergasted (good word). They were local residents obviously concerned about their environment but I must admit, this was a situation I just had not anticipated.  You have to take the message seriously, if people draw the wrong conclusions you have to give a clearer picture of the situation hence I have created yet another notice. Basically it spells out that the local council have been informed of the location of the bags and will collect them etc. I was rather proud of myself for staying calm and polite, I had just spent 1hr 30mins collecting litter off the road they were so concerned about as well as 2hrs on Friday. Needless to say I've sent an email to Graeme begging him to organise a prompt collection.

Travels are over

You may have noticed that I haven’t been doing many collections recently. We’ve been on a bit of a road trip through France and into Spain. Though I haven’t posted about our trip, mainly for security reasons, I have done a bit of collecting. Most notably while I was on Omaha Beach in Normandy. This is where American troops landed on D Day in 1944. Totally different scene when we visited, the beach full of people having fun. Still you did not have to go far to find clues to events 71 years ago. The scale of it all leaves you feeling both overwhelmed and humbled. I have lived the whole of my life with people who took part in the events of that time and have very rarely heard anyone speak of it. More recently I have wondered how many of those men who survived went on to face illnesses like Prostate Cancer. I know at least 2 who did.

Later we headed down to the Pyrenees to one of our favourite spots near Argeles Gazost. For the first time Tom took his bike and while I was waiting to cheer him home I managed to gather some rubbish on top of the Hautacam. For those who don’t know, this is one of the classic stage finishes on the Tour de France. 1064 metres in less than 14km. He made it in style as well as topping the Col de Soulor and the Col Borderes during the trip.

Just to underline the point - there is life following a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer leading to hormone treatment and radiotherapy then later, cryotherapy.

Didn’t have a lot of opportunity to hand out leaflets in France though a couple found homes. However, as we were waiting to disembark from the Bilbao Portsmouth ferry I gave out 6. Heading home we stopped at a service station on the M40 where I met 2 guys from the Coventry Foodbank who each accepted a leaflet. Good work lads.

We had a great time, saw and visited some wonderful places but home is special and so normal business resumes.

Yuk - fly tipping

I hadn’t come across fly tipping since launching Clean up Prostate Cancer until I peered into the bushes beside a layby, close to the motorway in Bickerstaffe. You often see vehicles, including lorries parked there. I’m sure it is a only a tiny minority who have no qualms about clearing out their cars, garages, homes and dumping it in the hedgerows. Hazardous, ugly, toxic. Nasty, nasty, nasty. Not sure if I found lorry or tractor tyres but there were 2 of them. A Dyson vacuum and a water cooler container full of a brownish liquid - totally gross. Food tins emptied and thrown in the undergrowth etc.  I can’t think of many more selfish actions. It just is not right.

There is a bin in the layby, it was just a few yards away. I did mention the tip to the Council but while doing so was really aware of how outrageous it was for them to have to deal with such things. It's quite enough that they take the rubbish from our household bins and go around emptying the public bins. It's a job but not everyone would apply for a vacancy.

FLY TIPPING

Report fly tipping to your local authority or, in England or Wales, the

Environment Agency incident hotline Tel :0800 80 70 60 a 24-hour service

 In Northern Ireland contact nidirect.gov.uk

In Scotland visit http://dumbdumpers.org/ or call the Stop Line 0845 230 4090