Even when the weather calls for some outdoor fun, 11-year-old Riley Cox grabs his litter-picking kit and heads off to make his locality of Little London and Woodhouse rubbish free. Come rain or sunshine, litter picking is an essential part of his routine. This year 7 student has taken on the onus of keeping his neighbourhood clean.
Not even the bullies (only a year older than him) who once emptied the rubbish bins he had filled, called him ‘Trash’ and forced him to pick everything up again could deter Riley from continuing his voluntary cleaning work. Encouraged by his mother, who had tried in vain to talk to the parents, he decided to ignore them and stick to doing his good work.
Riley Cox has been lauded by Leeds City Council
In September, Leeds City Council commended Riley for his work and awarded him a certificate of appreciation as an ‘Inner North West Community Committee Local Hero’, presented by the Lord Mayor of Leeds. Modest Riley isn’t bothered by the attention and appreciation he has received; he only wishes to keep doing everything he can to keep the city clean (and he tells me this is what he wants to do when he grows up too!).
“This is my contribution to the community. I want to continue this work even when I grow up to ensure that the city remains clean at all times”, smiles the shy 11-year-old who has been doing this voluntarily for over half a decade already.
Kayleigh Brooks, Little London and Woodhouse ward city councillor, says she hopes that Riley’s story inspires others to do good work in their community too:
“I’m so proud of Riley, he has worked hard to keep his area tidy over the years. I’m so glad he has a family who supports him in his work. A big thank you Riley for all your efforts. Riley has shown a little effort makes a big difference.”
Obsession with cleaning
The younger one of two kids in his family, Riley is obsessed with cleaning, while his big brother loves video games, says mother Jane, who is into cleaning jobs herself.
“He has been helping me with cleaning since the time he started walking. Over the years his cleaning obsession only increased. He’s been doing this voluntary work in the neighbourhood for over six years now. We go to the club a couple of times every week and even there he ends up picking rubbish,” explains Cox, who is proud of her son.
His litter-picking kit, which comprises a garbage picker, bin bag and at times a trolley, is his most favourite thing to carry around at all times, even when he’s going out for leisure with his family. The only exception is when he goes to school.
Riley, who loves football, also collects cans and recycles them to earn some pocket money, which he mostly spends on items related to cleaning. Whenever he takes his bike out, he ensures he attaches a trolley behind to pick garbage on his way.
Once in a blue moon, he is assisted by his friends, but they tend to lose interest in the litter-picking activity, especially as it’s often given as a punishment at school. Though Riley is an extremely well-behaved boy who gets good results at school, his mother had to mention to his teachers that he enjoys cleaning; in the unlikely event that he was involved in mischief, getting him to do some cleaning would not really work as a sanction!
Electric road sweeper for Christmas
Last year, Riley asked for a vacuum cleaner as a Christmas present and his wish was granted, so he can now enjoy cleaning his house. But despite Riley’s good conduct, Santa is highly unlikely to fulfil this year’s extravagant wish – an electric road sweeper.
“You’ll need a driving licence to be able to drive the sweeper around to clean the streets. You will have to wait a while,” chimes in his mother. Riley still hopes against all hope to get one.
Riley’s vicinity isn’t entirely residential
The area where the Coxes live isn’t entirely residential, as many warehouses and factories are located nearby. At night, the locality witnesses people drinking in the street, which is followed on a regular basis by a lot of indiscriminate dumping of bottles in nooks and crannies. Riley remains remarkably undaunted by the fact that his relentless efforts can seem to go down the drain.
One of the local residents, Karan Sharma, is intrigued and impressed by Riley’s diligence:
“He seems to be an extremely shy boy. But he’s been doing a great job which is often considered a thankless job. The best part is that he doesn’t even want anything in return for his contribution to society.”
