A determined 12-year-old schoolgirl from Leckhampton, Amalie Harris, has successfully raised £9,000 to help install a pedestrian crossing on a hazardous stretch of road outside her former primary school. Her tireless campaign spans over two years, highlighting her commitment to protecting her community.
Amalie first identified the need for a crossing at the junction of Church Road and Hall Road, adjacent to Leckhampton CofE Primary School in Cheltenham, when she was just nine years old. Feeling “too scared” to cross the road alone, she took it upon herself to make a difference.
The total cost to install the crossing was £75,000. While Amalie and her family secured £68,000 in council grants, the remaining £7,000 needed to be raised privately. Undeterred, Amalie and her father Paul launched a GoFundMe campaign. After two-and-a-half years and more than 200 generous donations, they surpassed their target, raising £9,000.
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With funds now in place, construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of August, ensuring the crossing is ready for the new school year. Paul Harris shared his pride, saying, “Amalie is over the moon. She’s so excited and relieved to have reached her goal. She’s truly worked her socks off to secure something valuable for the community.”
Throughout her campaign, Amalie has grown into a confident advocate for road safety. Her efforts included addressing the Gloucestershire County Council cabinet at Shire Hall in Gloucester and earning an award from her primary school. Now attending secondary school, Amalie is poised to receive further recognition for her community service.
Paul expressed gratitude towards the community’s support: “We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who donated, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. Over 200 people chose to contribute to something that will benefit us all.”
Preparations are underway for essential surveys and procedures ahead of installation. Plans for an official unveiling event in August will include local councillor Martin Horwood, who praised Amalie, calling her “absolutely fantastic” and a “brilliant figurehead” for community engagement.
Amalie’s story is a shining example of youthful determination leading to meaningful change, creating a safer environment for children and residents alike.