Vernon Turns Kidney Cancer Recovery Into a Cornwall Clean-Up Effort

Vernon, a self-employed steel builder who has worked on roller coasters and film sets including Death on the Nile and Ready Player One, has found a new way to stay active after kidney cancer.

From Wiltshire to Cornwall

Vernon lived in Wiltshire until he discovered he had kidney cancer. After having his kidney removed, he returned to Cornwall in search of what he describes as “a better, better paced life”.

Although he still works in the London area, Vernon says he spends time cleaning up areas around Cornwall when he comes home.

“When I get back here I go for a walk and I see a mess and I grab a shovel and a wheelbarrow and start cleaning it up,” he said.

“It helps me stay healthy and I think it’s better than going to the gym.”

Concerns over insurance and permission

Vernon said he contacted Launceston City Council after carrying out clean-up work, but was told the path was not under its responsibility. He was given a number for Cornwall City Council.

He said he called the council several times to explain that he had public liability insurance. However, he was told that because he did not have permission to work in the area, his insurance would be invalidated.

Council explains its volunteering process

Cornwall City Council said it supports the volunteering efforts of local residents. In a statement, it said its contractor, Cormac, oversees a range of community-led projects on council land, including forestry, park rewilding and weeding open spaces.

“Last year, 60,000 volunteer hours were spent on city-owned land,” the council said.

“We ask all volunteers to register with Cormac at [email protected] so that we can provide ongoing advice and support to ensure volunteers can carry out their work safely on council land and are provided with liability insurance.”