Gaskells Waste Services has welcomed Daniel Kinsella to the business as a full-time employee, more than a decade after the company first helped fulfil his dream of working in the waste industry while he was battling leukaemia.
Daniel, from Liscard on the Wirral, first visited Gaskells in 2014 after a family friend contacted the company to explain how obsessed he was with bin wagons and waste collection while undergoing treatment for leukaemia, having been diagnosed just before his fifth birthday.
At the age of six, Daniel was invited by Gaskells Managing Director Jonathan Gaskell to spend the day with one of the company’s collection crews in Crosby. The company arranged a personalised uniform for him, including boots, gloves, helmet and a hi-vis jacket with his name on it, before taking him on a depot tour and presenting him with his own miniature Gaskells bin wagon. One of the company’s vehicles was also named after him.
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Daniel’s passion for the industry never faded. Even after completing treatment in 2016 and later being declared cancer-free following years of check-ups, he continued visiting depots and collecting model bin wagons.
Now 18 and having completed his A-Levels, Daniel has officially joined Gaskells as part of the company’s apprenticeship programme.
Starting as a loader, Daniel will also begin van driving as part of his development before being supported through his HGV licence training, with the long-term aim of becoming a fully qualified driver.
Daniel officially started with the company on Monday 18 May 2026 and, speaking after his first shift, said: “It was really good. I remember going out on the rounds with the lads in Crosby and the more recent time in New Brighton when I was about 10.
“I have no idea why I love it so much, I’m just drawn to it. Not much has changed.
“It was a long day, but it flew, I loved it.”
Gaskells says Daniel has already made a strong impression during his first days with the company.
Transport Manager Jay Chiocchi said: “When I found out Daniel was starting, I put him on one of our busiest and most demanding rounds.
“The guy he was with has a wealth of experience, so I knew it was going to be a busy day for him, but I knew he was going to be well looked after.
“On his return from shift, there was nothing but praise for Daniel. He’s worked extremely hard, picked things up very quickly and asked all the right questions. We’re more than happy to have him with us.”
Jonathan Gaskell, Managing Director of Gaskells Waste Services, added: “Daniel’s story has stayed with everyone here ever since we first met him as a little boy.
“To now see him officially join the business after everything he has been through is fantastic. He’s always had a genuine passion for the industry and we’re proud to support him as he starts his career with us.”
Daniel’s mum Michelle Barr said: “I’m really proud of him. It’s what he’s always wanted to do and he’s never lost sight of that.
“I’m really grateful to Gaskells for everything they’ve done. It’s 10 years since he finished treatment and if you looked at Daniel now, you would never know what he’s been through.”
Gaskells Waste Services was established in 1991 with its main headquarters in Bootle, Liverpool, and has remain family run since it was founded. It now operates across Merseyside, Wirral, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Shropshire, North Wales, Anglesey, Mid Wales and has also recently expanded into South Wales.