Akers Way: Harry Parker's family to launch road safety campaign

Nova Hreod pupil Harry Parker, 14, was killed in November when he was hit by a car whilst crossing Akers Way on the way to school.

The incident sparked a huge outpouring of grief from the Swindon community.

Hundreds of people in the town donated £25,000 via a GoFundMe to support the Parker family in paying for his funeral costs. 

Now, his parents have announced they will launch a campaign to improve road safety this year, and have given details of a bank account for anyone who wishes to support it.

The scene of the fatal hit-and-run that took the life of Harry Parker (Image: Newsquest)

At the time, Harry's father, Adam said he was blown away by the kindness of the town, and indicated that while the money would be used for Harry's funeral, it would also go towards a campaign to try and prevent anything like this from happening again. 

After giving Harry the send-off he deserved on December 22, Adam made a post on his Facebook page on behalf of the whole family thanking people for attending and sharing some pictures of the somber moment. 

In it, he said: "We would like to thank everyone who helped our family give our son Harry Parker the best send-off we could. Also for all the support and love we have been given by so many people, it’s been comforting. Goodbye, our golden boy we love you so much."

The post also included a poster explaining the family's road safety plans for this year, explaining that a bank account had been set-up for it. 

The Parker family reveal plans for a road safety campaign in Swindon during 2023 following the death of 'golden boy' 14-year-old Harry Parker (Image: Adam Parker)In it, Adam, Kelly and family, said: "In 2023 we are looking to launch a road safety campaign to highlight the dangers of cars and vehicles around schools. 

"The details for the campaign are at a very early stage but please watch this space for more news on the campaign in 2023."

Members of the public can support the campaign by donating to the bank details on the poster.

As well as Harry's death, which is still under investigation, the road was the site of another tragedy just over 31 years ago when five children were killed.

24-year-old Shaun Gooch lost control of his car and reached speeds of more than 90mph just before he hit Paula Barnes, 15, Belinda Brown, 19, Paul Carr, 16, Sheree Lear, eight, and seven-year-old Ian Lilley.

He was jailed for five years for causing death by reckless driving.