Charles: a passionate worker for the Regent’s Canal

• IF you thought that Regent’s Canal towpath cleans itself, please think again…

I have been using a kayak in the canal for the past 10 years. I started by joining a group in The Pirate Castle, the wonderful community-based charity that helps kids from deprived backgrounds get on the water and meet friends and enjoy their weekends and school holidays together.

Five years ago I met Charles for the first time – pushing his large trolley on the towpath – and cleaning the mess that is left behind after every weekend in the stretch between Camden Market and St Mark’s Church in Regent’s Park.

I find his passionate voluntary work important not only for us but also for the wildlife along the canal, clearing the rubbish that might otherwise end up in the water or as building material for the water birds nesting on our canal.

YOSI ROMANO
Address supplied