A lasting memorial to a teenager killed in a hit-and-run outside his school has been installed next to a busy main road.
Harry Parker’s family have been campaigning to make roads safer for children after the 14-year-old was hit by a car while on his way to Nova Hreod Academy on November 25, 2022.
Harry received CPR at the scene and was airlifted to Bristol Royal Infirmary but died later that day.
Football shirts, flowers, and written tributes have lined the railings opposite the academy's entrance on Akers Way for months as his friends and loved ones mourned the loss of a young life.
Now, a more permanent memorial has been added to the area. Dozens of people gathered to watch the unveiling, and balloons were released to mark the solemn occasion.
A bench looks out onto the road and includes a plaque with his full name, Harry Jerome Kenneth Parker, his age, the date he died, and one of his favourite sayings – “Make someone smile every day”.
Roses, a Manchester United flag, a photo of Harry, and a reminder of the Harry’s Get Home Safely campaign also adorn the seat.
Harry’s dad Adam said: “We want to remind everyone what Harry stood for. He didn’t like bullies and wanted to make other people smile.”
Adam often visits the crossing at drop-off time in the mornings to monitor passing vehicles and ensure pupils can get to school safely.
The Parkers' road safety campaign hopes to work with schools to install banners that remind drivers of the 20mph speed limit at the start and end of school days and push for other safety measures to be considered by the council.
Adam added: “People come up to me and say they appreciate what we’re doing to turn a terrible situation into something meaningful so that Harry’s legacy lives on.
“Most cars are going slowly enough, and most people are sensible and respectful at the crossing, but I see so many drivers going too fast, and even parents running into the road when the green man isn’t showing.
“Children are the future, so we have to keep them safe. Cars need to slow down, people need to wait until it’s safe to cross.
“Spread the word, be part of the solution and not the problem. Give yourself 30 extra seconds so you don’t take 70 years from someone else.”
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