Child road safety was in the spotlight when the Jade Crossing Fund donated £9,000 to the KM Walk to School campaign.

Tim Fleck of the Jade Crossing Fund announced the charity’s closure and presented a cheque of its remaining funds to the KM Walk to School team during an event for schools that champion green travel.

The Jade Crossing Fund was established following the tragic death of Jade Hobbs and her grandmother Margaret Kuwertz on December 16, 2000. Jade’s parents Caroline and Paul Hobbs led a campaign to get a bridge built over the A249 to enable pedestrians to cross safely.

They raised more than £133,000 over ten years. £75,000 was donated to Kent County Council towards the cost of the bridge and the remainder to road safety. Mrs Hobbs was passionate about educating young people about the dangers on our roads and received a special award at the Pride of Britain Awards 2003 for her achievements.

Simon Dolby of KM Walk to School said he was humbled by the charity’s achievements and generosity. “This wonderful donation will allow us to continue their good work of educating young people about road safety,” he said.

The announcement was made at the Platinum Pledge awards, staged at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, to reward schools that pledge to run walk to school schemes for three academic years.

KM Walk to School is supported by Kent County Council, Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Medway Council, Thanet District Council, Mini Babybel, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Countrystyle Recycling, Chaucer Foundation, Eurostar, Southern Water, Golding Homes, Jelf Insurance Brokers, Leeds Castle, Independent Music Productions, Whitefriars shopping area and Orbit South.

For more details, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk.