Georgia Williams fund hits £30,000 mark
A fund in memory of murdered Shropshire teenager Georgia Williams today reached £30,000.
The news came as it was revealed that schools in the county will be visited to warn pupils of the dangers of online predators.
The Georgia Williams Trust has sold more than 10,000 wristbands in tribute to the Telford 17-year-old, who was strangled by internet porn-obsessed pervert Jamie Reynolds.
The 23-year-old faces a full-life term after his admission this week that he murdered police officer's daughter Georgia at his house in Avondale Road, Wellington.
The trust today revealed it had adopted a new aim to promote web safety in schools following revelations in court of his depraved online obsessions.
The charity was launched to continue the teenager's legacy by raising money for young people to take part in the sort of adventurous activities Georgia loved.
But now trustees also plan to join forces with the police, who uncovered Reynolds' indecent online images.
Richard Langton, chairman of the Georgia Williams Trust, said: "We want to use elements of Georgia's story to devise a safeguarding and educational programme on internet safety.
"We want to complement what's already out there in terms of internet safety to deliver a simple message.
"We want to address issues surrounding when relationships or contacts on social networks translate into real life."
The charity is preparing to release some of the £30,000 so far raised in Georgia's name. Young people aged between 11 and 18 will be able to apply for grants in the new year.
Mr Langton said: "We hope young people will achieve something that will benefit them and encourage them, like Georgia, to put something back.
"The challenge is to maintain fund-raising and keep momentum going."
How The Georgia Williams Trust can help you:
Young people aged 11-18 years old can apply for grants to make a difference. They must be living or studying in Telford & Wrekin. Grants are up to £250.
You can follow the trust @RememberGeorgia on Twitter. The trust is also on Facebook or visit www.thegeorgiawilliamstrust.org
You can also e-mail the trust at info@thegeorgiawilliamstrust.org
Donations can be made to The Georgia Williams Trust bank account with Barclays Bank. The account is under the name New College Telford The Georgia Williams Fund and the account number is 33366030 and the sort code is 20-85-46
