Mike Cox

A man who “has single-handedly and selflessly run the Friends of Waterloo Meadows for years,” has been put forward for Neighbourhood Champion, sponsored by Reading Football Club.

Mike Cox “turns out come rain or shine to run regular work parties, irrespective of whether other volunteers turn up or not,” said his nominator.

“The bird and bat boxes are tended to, wildflowers are sown, hedges are laid, litter is collected and trees are planted under his patient tutelage. He is the backbone of Waterloo Meadows but he is very self-effacing.”