Six-Year-Old Elysia Fulfils Promise By Raising £2,500 For Immingham Park

Elysia Nicolaou (6) is joined by friends and staff from Pilgrim Academy and elsewhere as they walk across the Humber Bridge to raise money for new play equipment at Pilgrim Park in Immingham.

Six-year-old Pilgrim Academy pupil, Elysia Nicolaou, has fulfilled her promise to raise money for new play equipment at her favourite Immingham park after vandals destroyed it.

Elysia has raised approximately £2,500 with a walk across the Humber Bridge after launching her own fundraising page and encouraging friends, family and even teachers to join her.

Six members of staff from Pilgrim Academy joined the walk last weekend, along with around 50 people from Immingham. They walked across the bridge and back, stopping for a snack along the way.

Elysia was also joined by her friends from Pilgrim Academy. Finley Mountain, Cameron Dolby and Bethany Harness all supported Elysia, as they enjoyed a really exciting morning, walking across the bridge.

Elysia’s favourite climbing frame at Pilgrim Park was burnt to the ground by vandals in May, and Elysia was determined to raise enough money to replace it. She featured on local TV and media with her quest to raise as much money as possible.

“The climbing frame was my favourite bit of the park and I used to play on it on the way to school each day,” said Elysia. “Me and my friend Bethany pretended we were in a pirate ship and sometimes we played shops.

“I saw the fire engines come and I saw the thick smoke from the park when I was at my friend’s party, and I felt very upset. I love the park and I would like them to be able to build something else for us to play on,” she said.

Elysia’s parent Vicky Johnson and Lee Shakespeare are very proud of her.

“She is a very determined little girl and all of this has been her idea. We are so proud of her determination. We also want to thank everyone who has supported her and donated to the cause,” said Vicky.

Andy Clark, Pilgrim Academy Principal, who joined the family on the walk, said he was extremely proud of Elysia. “Elysia was determined from the outset to raise money to replace this equipment and, as a school, we are absolutely thrilled that she is a part of our community.’’

On Monday morning, Elysia and her friends, Finley, Cameron and Bethany, were given a special Head Teacher’s Award in assembly, in recognition of the work they had done for the community and also celebrating how they had supported each other as a team.

Mr Clark added: “We have recently spoken to the children at Pilgrim Academy about our core values, which focus on three key words – Courage, Kindness and Respect. Elysia’s efforts over the last few months have exhibited each of these core values – she is an inspiration to everyone at our school and the wider community.”

A great turnout to support Elysia as the team heads out across the Humber Bridge.

Elysia is supported by her friends from Pilgrim Academy, including Finley Mountain.

Bethany Harness, Elysia Nicolaou, Finley Mountain and Cameron Dolby received special Head Teacher’s Awards in assembly in recognition of their efforts.