A solo mission for the community
When you think of a side hustle, you probably aren’t picturing a guy with a shovel and a wheelbarrow tackling overgrown brambles—but for Jeremy Vernon, it’s a full-on vibe. A resident of Launceston, Cornwall, 51-year-old Vernon has been spending his free time cleaning up neglected public pathways, and the internet is lowkey obsessed with his dedication.
Vernon, a self-employed steel erector who has worked on major sets like Ready Player One and Death on the Nile, started this after moving back to Cornwall following a kidney cancer diagnosis and surgery. He told the BBC that clearing pathways is his version of hitting the gym—and it’s clearly working.
The grind behind the scenes
Real talk: this isn’t just a quick sweep-up. Vernon has been out there pressure-washing steps and clearing heavy brush entirely on his own dime, covering all fuel and equipment costs himself. His efforts haven't gone unnoticed by the locals, either. Elz Ravenscroft, a local resident, noted that Vernon’s work has made the town’s "zigzag" path and other cut-throughs finally safe to walk on, especially for kids heading to school.
"Jeremy has worked so hard for all of town and gone above and beyond for us all out of his own free time," Ravenscroft said.
The red tape struggle
Even a local hero faces bureaucracy. Vernon shared that he’s reached out to the local council to get authorized, but he’s currently in a bit of a gray area regarding his public liability insurance since he lacks official permission to work on certain paths.
Cornwall Council responded by saying they support volunteers and encouraged them to register through their contractor, Cormac, so they can provide the necessary safety advice and insurance coverage for community projects. They noted that volunteers logged 60,000 hours of work on council land last year, so they’re definitely down for the help—they just want it to be official.
Why it matters
It’s giving main character energy in the best way possible. Vernon’s story is a reminder that you don't need a huge organization to make a tangible difference in your environment. Whether it's for the exercise or the community service, he’s showing that one person’s effort can seriously brighten up a whole neighborhood.
