Volunteer Alexia Franklin writes:

I want to do my bit to put the Whizz back into Wisbech! So I thought I would take on a real challenge to help me and my local area. I embarked on a Quest 79 Challenge to litter pick for 79 days for 50 minutes a day. 

Quest 79 was set up by Paralympic Gold medallist Karen Dark and is all about finding Your Inner Gold, it can be anything, have a look it may inspire you too. I wanted to show commitment to the environment by leading by example. You don't have to be 100% fit, know everything there is to know, but each of us have the power within us, to make a difference. Being born with Polio and having Arthritis, I have disabilities that make life difficult, but I do not let it hold me back. I know, if I don't use it, I will lose it, the less I move the harder it is to move and I thought this would be a great way to meet new people, and stay active.  

After 158 days of litter picking every day, out of the blue, Karen Dark called me! She asked if I would be an Inner Gold Guide to help others, and would I be happy to become an inspiration on her Top Trumps cards?

Reading peoples comments on social media, on the website and people talking to me whilst out and about, inspired me and I achieved 279 days on the trot! Yes it was hard, and after a while I wanted to do more so I started separating recyclables from the litter and now I have a buggy where I can collected bottles and cans separately to recycle them. I joined StreetPride, and Getting it Sorted Volunteers to do even more to promote recycling and to help others make their own journeys to improve where they live and hopefully themselves too. 

I see now that my actions not only helped me but others locally and all over the world, including the planet itself. Who would have thought I would be volunteering with an Olympian or be on a set of top trumps cards!? It goes to show that you never know where a good action can lead you. What will you do to reach your Inner Gold?