Work set to start on memorial to Gunton Primary pupil

13 March 2024

Pupils at Gunton Primary Academy are waiting excitedly for work to start on a new boat-themed play area, after a donation from our Anglia team topped off a mammoth fundraising drive.

The fundraising was launched following the sudden death of Reception pupil Harry Elmy in May 2022. The school wanted to create a fitting tribute to Harry, who had a passion for boating.

As part of their bid to raise funds, the school applied for a Community Champions grant from Persimmon Homes Anglia. The funding scheme was set up to create a lasting legacy in the communities in which the developer is building and they were keen to support the school creating as they created a tribute to Harry.

The whole community has supported the school, in particular the power boat community and Harry's family and friends, and with school fundraising, a donation from the parents, staff and teacher association and donations the school has now surpassed their original goal of £15,000.  This has allowed the primary school to purchase a larger piece of equipment than initially planned that will cater for pupils of all ages.

Last week Charlotte Cunningham, Senior Field Sales Manager, and Matthew Wright, Senior Technical Coordinator, of Persimmon Homes Anglia, presented the pupils with a cheque for £1,000 to round off their fundraising.

With all of the money now secured, work is due to start on the new play structure during the Easter holidays, meaning it should be standing in pride of place at the heart of the school playing fields when the children return from their break. It will be officially unveiled in May to mark the second anniversary of Harry’s death.

Executive Head Teacher, Matthew Jordan, said: “We are delighted with the support we have had from the whole community, including local businesses like Persimmon Homes, and the Parents, Staff and Friends Association who donated £5,000.

“These generous donations will enable us to create a very fitting memorial to Harry, who loved boats, and one that is of great benefit to all of the pupils here.”

Charlotte Cunningham, of Persimmon Homes Anglia, added: “It has been an honour to be able to support the school in creating a tribute to one of their pupils and to see how the whole community has rallied to bring this vision to fruition for the benefit of the current and future pupils of Gunton Primary Academy.”

Cllrs George King and Graham Parker, East Suffolk Council members for Gunton St Margarets, joined the presentation and said: “It is a wonderful idea to create this for Harry, and for all of the children at the school. It will allow them all to play on the equipment while also remembering their friend. Well done to the school and thank you to each of the supporters, including Persimmon Homes.”

Andy Pearce, Lowestoft Town Councillor and Gunton Residents’ Association member, added: “The residents’ association love the concept of a memorial that members of the school, current and future, can benefit from.”

 

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