Long Stratton High School teen looks to clean up with Costa Rica litter picking fundraiser

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and that is certainly true for Serenity Clarke.

The Long Stratton High School student has targeted picking up 100 bags of rubbish – in return for sponsorship – as part of a bid to raise £4,990 to fund a trip of a lifetime to Costa Rica this summer.

Her mum, Hayley Dennis, said the teenager was inspired to do her bit following a school presentation.

“Camps International came into Serenity’s high school to talk about the trip,” she said. “Serenity really wanted to go but we couldn’t afford it, so she decided to raise the funds herself.

“As the trip is about helping communities, she wanted to do something that would give back to her local community.”

Since the 16-year-old started litter picking in Long Stratton, Pulham Market and the laybys between her hometown and Diss, she has filled 68 bags with rubbish.

Between revising for her GCSEs, she has also done carboot sales, quizzes and helped her neighbours with gardening work – all in an attempt to raise enough funds.

“I am incredibly proud of her and the way she gets stuck in,” said Mrs Dennis. “She has done so well.”

The trip, which starts on July 23, will see participants helping and taking part in community development projects.

They also take on an open-water dive course to find out about environmental projects and learn more on how the camp helps to protect the ocean with marine conservation work.

To donate, go to Facebook and search for ‘Serenity's 100 bags of litter’.

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