Why Julie is planning a couple of rubbish days

Nov 6 2009 by Sonia Sharma, The Journal

A HARDWORKING young woman has vowed to single-handedly clear a whole beach of litter over 24 hours in the name of charity.

Julie Egdell will brave the cold air of the Whitley Bay seafront to carry out the challenge at the end of this month.

The 23-year-old will head to the North Tyneside beach at sunrise on November 29 armed with a pile of bin bags and a pair of bright pink rubber gloves.

She will then pick litter until it gets dark and restart the task at first light – completing the 24 hours.

The sponsored event will help to raise money for youth and education charity Raleigh. In March, Julie will be joining the group on an expedition to India where she will work for 10 weeks on community and environmental projects, such as building schools or sanitation facilities in villages.

Julie, of Marina Drive, Whitley Bay, said: “I walk my dog on Whitley Bay beach and often see rubbish strewn around. I thought this litter pick was a good way for me to do my bit for the community as well as send out a message about cleanliness and taking care of the environment. Litter picking is the perfect way to illustrate the work of Raleigh, which encourages young people from all walks of life to make a difference to develop their own communities at home. I plan to continue volunteering in similar ways when I return from India.”

She says she is not daunted by the thought of picking litter across the whole beach in the cold. She will be wearing warm clothes and hopes family members will help to boost her energy.