Clean Up Leaders

Aaron Kendall - Founder

Aaron founded the clean up back in 2017 as Dee Valley River Clean, with a mission to make the river a cleaner place and to create a better image for paddlers in the valley. He quickly realised that this should be expanded throughout the valley creating a more inclusive organisation.

Aaron is a passionate paddler always found either working or recreationally paddling the River Dee but always loving this area and everything it has to offer.

Loves - Kayaking, Coffee, Stella & Photos.

Hates - Ketchup and Splashy Rivers.

Rob Hirst

Rob has been involved and passionate since day one, always there to provide support in what ever way he can to Aaron and events while the clean up was finding its feet. Since the clean up has grown rob has become involved with the running of the event and is a pivotal part of the the organisation.

A Passionate paddler, cyclist and triathlete all while studying for an environmental sciences degree. A real advocate of the Dee Valley.

Loves - Lycra, Artic Monkeys, His dog Belle & Splashy Rivers

Hates - Coffee too hot, Odd numbers & Cleaning his van

Clive Gibney

A passionate advocate for the clean green outdoors, Clive is quickly becoming a master of all things needed to make the outdoors as reasonably sustainable for everyone. He has also been involved since the start in ‘17. Clive was one of the driving forces behind pushing the cleaning up into the hills. An invaluable person to have on the team as “The Fixer”

Loves - A coffee process that takes over a hour, Full slice kayaks & anything Irish (and the Dee Valley ovs…)

Hates - Anyones coffee but his, things on the top shelve & having his eyes open on photos

Matt Stephenson

A true ambassador for the outdoors, a scholar of geography and a steward role model for all in the outdoors. Matt is a master of many skills. A member of GB Freestyle Team, experienced Stand-up Paddle board expedition leader and wilderness expert. But most of all, passionate about making our environments clean and green for all.

Loves - Trees, Whittling, Some of the worst puns you could ever imagine and some really controversial sandwich toppings.

Hates - Hair cuts and being inside. That is literally all we could think of. He really is that lovely.