'I'd seen people clearing the riverbank and wanted to help'

"The River Thames is an iconic and important part of London and needs to be looked after. When I lived near Battersea Bridge I would often see people clearing up the banks of the river and thought I'd like to help one day.

"I'd already decided that 2009 would be the year that I finally got involved with Thames21, but it wasn't until I got made redundant from my architectural job in March that I was able to do more and actually help to staff their events.

"It is so different to my usual job, I'm out in the fresh air, I've met loads of interesting people from varied backgrounds, and of course I am helping to make a positive difference to London's waterways. The events themselves are really great – around 30 to 40 volunteers turn up to help and we have to work quickly to make the most of the low tide. Each year the charity removes around 1000 tons of litter from London's 40 mile network of canals and rivers. So there's plenty of work for volunteers to do.

"The worst thing you can do if you are made redundant is to sit in front of the TV all day. You have to get out – and this is a great way to help London, meet people and work on new skills. I've helped on many events and with fundraising and photography. I only wish I had done it sooner.

Around 4,000 volunteers every year from all sections of the community, spend their free time with Thames21 in cleaning-up waterside grot-spots, removing graffiti from waterside areas and helping create new habitats for wildlife.

For more information visit www.thames21.org.uk