Twelve-year-old Amalie Harris from Leckhampton has successfully raised over £9,000 to fund the installation of a pedestrian crossing on a hazardous stretch of road outside her former primary school. What began as a simple idea when Amalie was just nine years old has now become a community triumph.
Amalie identified the need for a safer crossing at the junction of Church Road and Hall Road, near Leckhampton CofE Primary School, after feeling too scared to cross the busy road alone. With the total project cost at an overwhelming £75,000, her family secured £68,000 in grants from the local council. The remaining £7,000 was raised through a determined two-and-a-half-year campaign led by Amalie and her father, Paul Harris, via a GoFundMe initiative.
Thanks to the generosity of over 200 donors, the fundraiser exceeded its target, collecting £9,000. This milestone now paves the way for the pedestrian crossing to be constructed, with completion expected by the end of August, just in time for the new school year.
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Paul Harris expressed his pride, saying, “Amalie is over the moon. She’s worked incredibly hard to provide a valuable asset for the community. This experience has helped her grow into a confident young individual.”
Amalie’s advocacy went beyond fundraising—she presented her case at Gloucestershire County Council and received a school award for her proposal. Now at secondary school, she is set to be honored again for her community service.
Local councillor Martin Horwood praised Amalie’s commitment: “She’s not only helped with the petition but has been an inspiring figurehead for the campaign, bringing the community together.”
The next steps involve highway workers conducting the necessary surveys before installation. An official unveiling event is planned for August, with Councillor Horwood expected to attend.