For the past four years, Friday has been the highlight of Carter Folland's week – the five-year-old is a huge fan of 'bin day' and 'Truck Friday with Nanny Nik' became a beloved weekly ritual.
Carter and his grandmother would wait and watch the collection crews arrive and come down their street, often following the route around Crownhill Estate and getting to know the team by name. He lined up bins ready for the loaders and brought out his remote control truck to reverse alongside the collection vehicles.
It was a ritual that began when contract supervisor Shane Markey would stop and say hello.
But all good things must come to an end, and with Carter starting school this autumn, and bin day about to be replaced by classroom time, Shane and his team decided to make Carter's final 'Truck Friday' a special one. He arranged for all three collection services to visit Carter together, giving him the chance to fulfil a long-held dream – having his photo taken with all three trucks and crews.
“He’s been part of our Fridays for years, and we wanted to give him something special to remember," Shane said, "Seeing his face when the trucks arrived made it all worth it.”
The team also presented him with a SUEZ gift bag, including a child sized hi-vis vest, activity books, and other small goodies.
“He’s looked forward to bin day every week, all of the crews are such lovely people and have always treated him with such kindness,” said Nanny Nik, “He always wanted to see all three trucks together – he talked about it constantly – so when driver Steve mentioned it to Shane and they made it happen, we were truly grateful.
"It was amazing and he absolutely loved it. The send-off meant the world to him. I would also like to thank every member of the crews who do an amazing job in all weathers, week in, week out. It’s a memory he will never forget.”
