Five colourful new refuse collection lorries carrying eye-catching health and wellbeing messages are taking to the roads of South Kesteven.
The district council’s fleet already includes a distinctive pink lorry promoting breast cancer awareness and a bright blue lorry doing the same for prostate cancer.
Joining them will be freighters supporting five more major charities:
- Royal British Legion
- Samaritans
- Bowel Cancer UK
- Kidney Research UK
- Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
Each is painted in the distinctive brand colours of the organisation whose messages they carry and were unveiled on Thursday 15th May at the South Kesteven Sports Stadium on Trent Road, Grantham.
Council lorry supplier Dennis Eagle has supported the initiative with the bespoke paint finish on the freighters, which were already on order as part of the depot's normal turnover. The new vehicles were already scheduled for delivery, so there was no extra cost to the council for either the lorry or the paintwork.
It’s a colourful demonstration of the council’s continuing commitment to promoting health awareness with each lorry on the road every week across the district.
Cllr Ashley Baxter, Leader of SKDC, said: “The charities we are supporting do life-saving work, each in their own way. It’s a privilege to be able to help get their messages out to residents via these new refuse vehicles.
“Our lorries are highly visible and visit every corner of our district. Our crews tell us that the public are really interested and engaged when they see them out and about. The arrival of the new wagons will provoke further conversations and hopefully make people more aware of the work of the various partner charities.”
The freighters come into the council’s fleet as replacements for others that have reached the end of their seven-year planned service and the new designs and paintwork have not incurred any extra cost for the council.
Mandy Connor, branch director of Grantham Samaritans, pictured, said: “As suicide rates are very sadly at their highest in over 20 years, it’s vitally important everyone is aware that suicide can be prevented. It’s also crucial people are aware of the support that’s available and feels able to reach out if they’re struggling.
“I’m very grateful to South Kesteven District Council as this freighter will help achieve that. Grantham Samaritans provide 24/7 free, non-judgmental emotional support. We know listening can be life-saving and encourage anyone who needs to contact us to do so.”
www.samaritans.org
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “Lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer and sadly, the biggest cancer killer, taking the lives of more people than breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers combined. Yet despite the staggering numbers of people affected by lung cancer, it remains a cancer we don’t talk about enough.
“That’s why we’re delighted to be part of South Kesteven District Council’s colourful fleet of refuse collection lorries.
“This unique opportunity helps us break down dangerous misconceptions about lung cancer, raise awareness of the many different symptoms and make everyone aware that we are here to support anyone affected by this disease.
“The reality is if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer. Men and women. Young and old. Smoker and non-smoker. Lung cancer can affect anyone.
“We need everyone to be aware of this and take note of any potential symptoms they have – from a persistent cough to shoulder pain - because when lung cancer is caught early, it is easier to treat and possible to cure.”
www.roycastle.org
Tina Pringle, Regional Poppy Appeal Manager for the Royal British Legion, said: "The Royal British Legion is immensely grateful for the support of South Kesteven District Council.
“This very visible demonstration of support is not only a lift for our veterans and beneficiaries, but also our teams of volunteers across the county who collect for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal every year and help us to raise vital funds to support members of the Armed Forces community."
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Every year 44,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer – the equivalent of Grantham’s population.
Sadly, 16,800 people lose their lives to the disease every year, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Bowel cancer is treatable if found early and more than 9 in 10 people will survive the disease if they’re diagnosed at the earliest stage.
“Worryingly, our research shows that around a third of adults can’t name a single symptom of bowel cancer, such as bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo or a change in your pooing habits.
“So our message is simple, if you notice any symptoms of bowel cancer, bin your embarrassment, and contact your GP to ask for an at-home test.
“We’re grateful to South Kesteven District Council’s refuse collectors who are playing a lifesaving role in helping us drive awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms to thousands of households in the area.”
www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Lucy Sreeves, executive director at Kidney Research UK, said: “This initiative is a great way to bring kidney disease into the public eye and we're very grateful to South Kesteven District Council for supporting our cause.
“Our kidneys toil away silently every day to take out waste and keep our bodies healthy - but when they fail, the effects can be life-changing.
“Taking that message out onto the streets is a powerful way to spark conversations about kidney disease in the heart of our communities. Look out for these eye-catching lorries and visit our website for more details about how to look after your kidney health: www.kidneyresearchuk.org
Pictured is supporter Deborah Bakewell.
The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion (RBL) is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting the needs of the Armed Forces community, past and present and their families. The RBL is the champion of Remembrance and safeguards the Armed Forces Covenant. It is well known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy. For further information, visit rbl.org.uk.
Bowel Cancer UK
Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care. For more information visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Bowel cancer is the UK’s fourth most common cancer and the second biggest cancer killer, affecting both men and women. Over 44,00 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK. Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
- Bleeding from your botto
- Blood in your poo.
- A change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go.
- Losing weight but you’re not sure why
- Feeling very tired all the time but you’re not sure why
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Kidney Research
Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Its vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research it funds has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making the charity’s work more essential than ever.
Kidney Research UK works with clinicians and scientists across the UK. It collaborates with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.
Over the last ten years the charity has invested £71 million into research. It lobbies governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that more than 7.2 million people living with kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.
Most importantly, the patient voice is at the centre of everything at Kidney Research UK. Patients, carers and families inspire the charity’s mission and push it forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.