Litter-picking Cycling Champion
1507. Ruby Isaac
Ruby Isaac, aged 12, from Northamptonshire, is the cycling litter picker who has used her social media following of 20k to inspire cyclists across the UK to collect plastic pollution, particularly single-use face masks.
Ruby was inspired to take up cycling by four-time Olympic champion Laura Kenny, and has since inspired her own following through her cycling videos encouraging others to get on their bikes. After seeing high amounts of litter during her regular bike rides, Ruby decided to use her videos as a way of highlighting plastic pollution and call on her fellow cyclists to take time out during their rides to pick up litter too.
In a personal letter to Ruby, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I was inspired to hear of your fantastic initiative encouraging your twenty thousand followers on social media to join you in cycling around the countryside picking up litter.
“You have brilliantly combined two vital causes by helping people to get fit and healthy, while at the same time making our planet greener and cleaner.
“I know you were inspired to take up cycling by our great Olympian, Laura Kenny, but it is clear to me that you are an inspiration in your own right and I am delighted to recognise you as the UK’s 1507th Point of Light!”
Ruby said:
“Thank you so much, this really is amazing. Although I am so so happy to win this award I really do wish there was not so much litter for me to pick up. I would love it if some other people heard about this and picked up some litter too, that would be really awesome. Stay safe and thank you so much.”