Super litter picker Loyd from Ellesmere Port raises over £1k

Loyd, 24, from Great Sutton, completed a ‘Rubbish Roulette’ challenge, combining his passion for both fundraising and saving the planet.

Loyd set out to fill 45 bags of rubbish from various locations across Cheshire, Merseyside and the Wirral with a fundraising target of £400, to raise vital funds for Children Today Charitable Trust and Ellesmere Port, Chester and Neston Special Olympics (EPCN Special Olympics).

Throughout July and August, Loyd took to the streets, beaches and parks collecting a total of 48 bags of rubbish and raised more than £1,000, which will be shared equally between the two local disability charities.

Lexi Heselwood, from Children Today, recently presented Loyd with certificates for his fundraising efforts. Picture: Helen Dalby-Wildridge

His mum Helen said: “Loyd has several conditions, which affect his day-to-day life, including cerebral palsy, scoliosis and epilepsy. He was also recently diagnosed with a condition called Oculo-dento-digital dysplasia (O3D), which affects his eyes, teeth and digits.

“But he doesn’t let anything stand in his way of doing good. He really wanted to support EPCN and Children Today after receiving help from both charities, and experiencing first-hand what a difference they make.”

In 2016 Loyd underwent multi-level surgery on both legs and needed regular physiotherapy to help recover from the operation.

Children Today helped fund an adapted trike, which enabled him to get regular exercise and physio in a fun way.

At age 19, Loyd, went on to discover a love of football and boccia after joining EPCN Special Olympics, which has become an important part of his life.

Helen added: “Whether he's on his trike or kicking the ball or playing boccia, we’ve found that these activities are so important for Loyd, and far more productive than a session of physio.

“This has been Loyd’s hardest fundraising challenge to date.

"I think it’s safe to say, he’s pretty exhausted, but not once did he ever complain. He’s such a trooper and gets so much happiness and satisfaction out of knowing he’s helping others!”

Loyd enjoys football and boccia at EPCN Special Olympics. Picture: Helen Dalby-Wildridge

Over the last few years Loyd has taken on regular fundraising activities and this latest challenge bring his fundraising total for Children Today alone to over £4,500, including gift aid.

Loyd is also part of a local litter-picking group – the Ellesmere Port Wombles – who meet regular to help clean up the streets of Ellesmere Port.

Lexi Heselwood, communications manager at Children Today, said: “We’re always so humbled by Loyd’s fundraising efforts. Since 2021, Loyd has set himself a challenge to help raise funds for Children Today every year.

"Each year he pushes himself to the limit, but always with a smile on his face and with his wicked sense of humour!”

Terry Warren, from EPCN Special Olympics, added: “We’re not surprised to see Loyd once again tackling challenges that benefit the local community through his litter-picking and we are delighted to be a beneficiary of the funds Loyd has raised by this.

“He is a vibrant member of our Ellesmere Port, Chester and Neston Special Olympics family, not just in the sports he enjoys playing, but also by raising the general level of warmth and sociability experienced by all our athletes, coaches and volunteers.”

Loyd’s Justgiving page is accepting donations until October 15 and donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/h-wildridge

To find out more about Children Today or apply for support, visit www.childrentoday.org.uk/.

• For more information about getting involved with Ellesmere Port, Chester and Neston Special Olympics, email epnso@hotmail.co.uk.