In a touching convergence of community service and personal advocacy, recent events surrounding the beloved children's character Peppa Pig have unfolded in both Stirling, Scotland, and Dundalk, Ireland. The River Forth saw a dedicated group of volunteers step forward on March 25, 2025, to clean up its banks, collecting 15 bags of litter that included a shopping trolley and an endearing Peppa Pig toy.
The cleanup effort, spearheaded by the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, along with staff from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and local organization Robertson, signifies a crucial step towards maintaining Scotland's beautiful landscapes. Heather McLaughlin, the Campaigns and Social Innovation Manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful, remarked on the success of the program, stating, "Every single litter pick, no matter how many people are involved or bags are collected, is another crucial step on our journey to a litter free Scotland." This cleanup is part of the larger Spring Clean campaign that runs from March 21 to April 21, 2025, and aims to mobilize communities across Scotland to take action against litter.
Meanwhile, across the Irish Sea, a mother's heartfelt campaign has taken shape. Colleen McNally, hailing from Medebawn, Dundalk, has made a plea to Hasbro, the makers of Peppa Pig, to name a new character after her son, Darragh, who passed away from cancer in November 2019. Darragh, described by his mother as Peppa Pig's biggest fan, was only 11 years old when he succumbed to the illness after a short battle. Colleen passionately expressed her desire, writing, "Imagine Mummy Pig calling her new little baby pig Daragh. Or Dara Pig. This would be such an honour and it would mean so much to us a heartbroken family."
Colleen's campaign, ignited by the announcement that Mummy Pig is expecting a new baby piglet this summer, seeks to find a way to honor her son's memory while also raising awareness for autism, as Darragh was diagnosed with the condition. She recounted their family's journey, stating, "Our attic is now full of Daragh’s Peppa Pig toys. We own every Peppa Pig magazine up to Daragh’s untimely death. Even to this day, we buy Daragh a Peppa Pig toy or annual or book on his birthdays & anniversaries." Colleen hopes that by naming the character after Darragh, it would not only serve as a tribute but also spark conversations on autism, which affects many families.
Close to her heart, Colleen also expressed her wish for Peppa Pig creators to include a character with autism in the show's diverse cast. She believes, "Peppa Pig has a huge platform to potentially do this," emphasizing how representation in media can educate others about autism's early traits. In a poignant reflection on Darragh's life, she said, "I was always Daragh’s voice when he was here and I will continue to advocate for anyone with autism.”
The Kingscourt Playgroup, a local organization in support of Colleen’s initiative, even participated in the town's St. Patrick's Day parade, donning Peppa Pig costumes to garner attention and support for the campaign. Colleen thanked her community and social media supporters, noting, "I have to continue this life without Daragh but he’s always with me, and I know that it’s him pushing me along.”
Both stories highlight the power of community when driven by love and shared purpose—whether it’s restoring the environment or honoring a child’s memory. As volunteers at the River Forth clean up the litter that plagues their landscape, Colleen’s unwavering strength and determination ensure that her son's spirit continues to inspire those around her.
As the Spring Clean campaign reaches its peak and mothers like Colleen raise their voices for their children, it becomes clear that compassion and commitment are at the heart of both efforts. Helping the planet and advocating for the precious memories of those we have lost can create lasting impacts that go beyond mere words—transforming communities and hearts alike, one small action at a time.
