This Sunday, residents of Pudsey gather for a poignant event to honour Matilda Pritchard’s memory.
- The community event will feature a charity litter pick, inspired by Matilda’s dream of a cleaner world.
- Matilda’s family surpasses their fundraising goal, aiming to support environmental education.
- The initiative inspires widespread support, nurturing a legacy of care for the environment.
- Participants will meet at Pudsey Park, continuing Matilda’s mission of change.
This Sunday, the town of Pudsey will gather to remember and honour Matilda Pritchard, an 11-year-old whose life was tragically cut short. The event is set to take place in Pudsey Park, a location close to Matilda’s heart, where she spent time with her father, Steve Pritchard, picking up litter and appreciating the impact of small acts of care.
In a heartfelt statement, Steve Pritchard expressed the profound impact these actions had on Matilda and himself, as they bonded over their shared commitment to a litter-free world. He recalled, ‘I used to walk with her. Just the two of us, out in the parks, picking up litter. It wasn’t just about cleaning up; it was about the time we spent together, her smile when she saw a clear space after our work, the joy she found in simply caring for the world.’
The community’s response to Matilda’s passing has been overwhelming. In the initial weeks after her death, her family launched a fundraising campaign, with an initial target set at £11,213—an amount that symbolised her birthday on 11th February 2013. However, generous contributions rapidly exceeded this goal, empowering Matilda’s vision further.
The family now aims to raise £42,000 to support the Eco-Schools programme by Keep Britain Tidy, an initiative dedicated to educating young people about environmental stewardship. The programme embodies Matilda’s passion, encouraging children to take an active role in protecting their surroundings.
Organised with the support of the Litter Free Pudsey group, the litter pick serves as more than a mere cleaning exercise; it is an embodiment of Matilda’s legacy. Steve articulated the broader impact, ‘Matilda’s dream wasn’t just for herself; it was for all of us. She used to say, ‘Daddy, I dream of a world without litter.’ And now, it’s up to us to make that dream come true.’
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, highlighted the significance of Matilda’s vision, noting, ‘Matilda dreamed of a world without rubbish, and her dream is one we share. Her passion for keeping her local parks clean is a powerful reminder that even the smallest of us can make the biggest difference.’
The gathering will commence at 10 am at the main entrance of Pudsey Park, near the bus station, as Steve, Anna, and the community work to ensure Matilda’s compassionate spirit remains vibrant and influential.
Matilda’s legacy endures, galvanising a community to champion her dream of an unspoiled world.
