Story & Photos by Stephen Lilly
Thirteen days after major surgery to remove cancerous tumours from
his tongue and neck, Bridlington businessman Reece Holland was
back on the seafront promenade picking litter with a group of around
40 volunteers – some who have recovered or recovering from the same surgery.
Reece was diagnosed in July, with surgery taking place in August at the London Clinic Cancer Centre in London. The surgery was carried out using a pioneering robotic procedure.
He hit on the idea of litter picking to help his recovery, starting off from the Hook & Parrot pub, collecting rubbish
along the seafront.
To Reece’s amazement forty people turned up for what is hoped will become a weekly event with some
of those in attendance splintering into small groups and encouraging other
residents in the town to get involved with litter picking, spreading out across their communities.
Local businesses A. Brunton
Waste Management Services, Biffa, Steve Boldrini and East Riding of Yorkshire Council donated high visibility vests, litter pickers, and bags as well as collecting the bags after the pick.
Reece explained when he was given
the diagnoses his world fell apart – but he was quick to tell himself he could fight and beat his cancer, taking inspiration from local people –
Malcolm Malton and Robin Beevers who have both been diagnosed in the last 18 months.
Malcolm has just been given the all clear after successful treatment while
sadly for Robin the cancernwas too progressive for surgery but is ‘bearing up well’ to chemotherapy and
immunotherapy.
Anyone who wishes to join Reece on a litter pick meeting at the Hook & Parrot
in Bridlington are asked to join the group at 8am every Sunday.
