WHAT started as a simple conversation with a homeless man called Max grew into a life-changing campaign for Manuela Wahnon, and she has not looked back since.

The last 12 months have been a rollercoaster ride which has seen the campaigner from Rack Close take her Attitude of Gratitude campaign to most of the schools in the area and beyond.

Her hard work has not gone unnoticed by others, as she was presented with the Pride of Andover Environmental Champion award by Esther Rantzen, and was recently filmed for the BBC television show Inside Out.

Manuela has now starred in five Internet videos, been featured in four newspapers and been interviewed by four radio stations.

In the past year she has received support from local dignitaries, including both the past and present mayors of Test Valley, and Andover MP Sir George Young.

She even managed to persuade the leader of Test Valley Borough Council Ian Carr to climb into the river in Charlton to help her clean it up.

Manuela said: “I cannot believe that I am still doing this now, when so many people thought at the beginning that I was merely a one-woman publicity-seeking litter-picker.

“The sweetest victories are when people initially sceptical or hostile towards my campaign, and questioning my motives, moderate their views towards me.

“I have never gone through so many pairs of shoes in my entire life as I have done this last year.

“I know with my hand on my heart that I have achieved what I set out to do, that if I were to die next week, this campaign will live on through the children that I have spoken to. I have to keep going, and never give up.

“I have probably spoken to more than 3,000 children, if you combine the schools, youth clubs and public engagements that I have attended.

“The campaign is addictive and I admit that it has taken over my life.”

l To find out more about Manuela’s tireless campaigning visit attitudeofgratitude.co.uk.