Olivia-Violet Reeves: Family hand over money raised for charity close to Shrewsbury school girl's heart
The family of a Shrewsbury school girl who was tragically killed while walking home from school have handed over more than £1,700 to the wildlife charity she was passionate about.
Representatives from the World Wildlife Fund travelled to Shrewsbury to meet with the family of Olivia-Violet Reeves, from Worthen, who died aged 11 in June after she was struck by a 4x4 that mounted the pavement in Mytton Oak Road while she was walking to the bus stop from St George’s Junior School.
Her death shocked the town and has led to money being raised by various supporters, including well-wishers at her funeral, pupils and staff at Coleham Primary School and colleagues of mother Jo Reeves at Shropshire Council, among others.
St George’s has also raised money separately, earmarked to help pay for family members to travel to an elephant sanctuary in Africa supported by Olivia-Violet.
On Friday the WWF cheque, for £1,755.78, was handed over under the gaze of Charles Darwin, who was a hero of Olivia-Violet’s, outside Shrewsbury library.
Jo said: “Words cannot express how proud and excited Olivia-Violet would be today. Olivia-Violet was a passionate conservationist planning to study marine biology and zoology to ensure her part in the protection of her beloved turtles, dolphins and polar bears.
“She was an inspiration with a thirst for self-directed learning and was also a huge fan of Charles Darwin, reading all she could on the theory of evolution. We would like to thank everyone for their donations, love and support at this time, we are truly heartbroken.
“We also comment West Mercia Police for their professionalism and compassion.”
Maria Dyson, of the WWF’s supporter care team, said: “We would like to express our deepest sympathies to Olivia-Violet’s family and We’re deeply honoured to be chosen for this donation.
“Because marine wildlife and turtles in particular were her favourite, we’re making sure 50 per cent of the money will go towards turtle conservation. The other 50 percent will go towards our campaign against illegal wildlife trade.”
Cath Lawson, WWF marine turtle expert, added that the money would help fund work in coastal Kenya to improve marine turtle habitats and stop poaching.
“Five out of seven species of marine turtle live in Kenyan waters so its a really important area,” she said.
Roger Thomas Goodall, 77, has been charged with causing her death by dangerous driving. He will now appear in Shrewsbury Crown Court on September 8, as hearings on August 7 and 14 were put back.
