Wirral teen who dreamt of becoming a binman while battling leukaemia lands dream job

A young Wirral man who dreamed of becoming a binman while battling leukaemia as a child has officially landed his dream job at Gaskells Waste Services.

Daniel Kinsella, from Liscard, has joined the team at Gaskells Waste Services aged 18, more than a decade after first meeting the company during cancer treatment.

Daniel was diagnosed with leukaemia just days before his fifth birthday in December 2012, but despite years of treatment, he never stopped talking about one thing, working on the bins.

At just six years old, Daniel’s mum Michelle contacted Gaskells to explain how obsessed he was with bin lorries and refuse collection.

After hearing his story, Gaskells Managing Director Jonathan Gaskell invited Daniel to spend the day with one of the company’s crews on a collection round in Crosby.

The company went all out, organising a personalised uniform complete with boots, gloves, a helmet and a hi vis jacket with Daniel’s name on it.

Daniel also toured the recycling plant, spent time with crews and was even gifted his own miniature Gaskells bin lorry. One of the company’s vehicles was later named after him too.

The uniform quickly became one of Daniel’s prized possessions and he wore it everywhere, including to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital during treatment and even to school.

Over the years, Gaskells stayed in touch with Daniel and his family and celebrated alongside them when he was eventually given the all clear.

Now, aged 18, Daniel has officially joined the business as a loader and started an apprenticeship with the company.

As part of his training, he will begin driving vans before eventually working towards his HGV licence, with the goal of becoming a fully qualified driver.

Jonathan Gaskell said: “Daniel’s story has stayed with us ever since we first met him as a little boy. To now see him join the business as part of the team is fantastic.

“He’s always had a genuine passion for the industry and we’re proud to be helping him build a career with us through his apprenticeship and future HGV training.”

Daniel’s mum Michelle said: “Becoming a binman was all Daniel ever talked about growing up, even through treatment. To see him finally starting the job he always dreamed of is amazing for all of us as a family.”

Gaskells says Daniel’s journey has already inspired staff across the business, with the company proud to officially welcome him to the team.

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