THE FOUNDER of a litter picking group in Tiddington, who lost his battle with cancer, is being honoured with an award in his memory.
John Turner died in September after suffering with the illness on and off for nearly ten years.
The Observer published a tribute to the dad-of-two whose family launched a crowd-funding campaign to pay for specialist treatment shortly before the end of his life in a bid to spend a little longer with him.
The campaign saw nearly £30,000 donated in a matter of days but sadly the 38-year-old died at Myton Hospice days later and the money helped cover funeral costs as well as causes John cared about.
His passions included the environment which saw him launch an offshoot of the Stratford Rubbish Friends group in his village of Tiddington.
And the JLR project leader’s dedication has inspired the John Turner prize which aims to encourage young people to care for their environment.
Young people across the district were asked to choose a theme and create a piece of work – from poetry or song to a short film or a poster – based around it.
The themes included recycling, caring for wildlife and oceans, plastic pollution and reducing litter.
Shortlisted projects will go on display at the awards ceremony at Thomas Jolyffe School in Stratford later this month when three winners will be selected in different age categories.
Stratford Rubbish Friends group founder Becky Reynolds said: “John contacted me not long after I started the Stratford group. He was passionate about caring for the environment which included looking after Tiddington, where he lived.
“He wanted to start a local group and was the founder of Rubbish Friends Tiddington and Alveston. In order to continue his fantastic work we wanted to create something that would mean his passion and good work would continue on into the future.”
The awards take place on Saturday June 29 from 6pm to 8pm.
Search Rubbish Friends on Facebook for more information.
