Parents whose children were friends with Darlington girl Leah Harrison, tragically killed in a mudslide last week, have called for a tribute to the ten-year-old at the Lionesses' game in Newcastle on Friday.
Disaster struck on a school residential at Carlton Adventure on the edge of the North Yorks Moors on Wednesday (May 22) when 10-year-old Leah, a pupil at Mount Pleasant Primary School in Darlington, was killed in a mudslide.
Thirty rescue workers tried for hours to save the Year 6 girl and aspiring footballer before she sadly passed away. A full investigation is underway.
Leah was described last week as a “budding Lioness”.
Paying tribute to her, her family said in a statement: “Spread those wings. May you rest in paradise.
“You will achieve your dream and become a player for the Lionesses.”
Parents whose children were friends with Leah are urging the FA to pay tribute to the youngster at the England Women’s game in Newcastle on Friday (May 31).
The Lionesses play France in a UEFA European Qualifier at St James’ Park at 8pm, with some of Leah’s friends set to be in the crowd.
Lindsay Smith, whose daughter Poppy was best friends with Leah, is leading calls for a tribute at the game, be it a mention before kick-off, Leah’s photo on the big screen, or a minutes’ applause from fans in the 10th minute – a reference to her age.
Lindsay told the Echo: “With Leah being a footballer and her mum saying it was her dream to play for the Lionesses we wanted to do something.
“The parents thought if we could try to get a mention, or her picture on the big screen, or a minutes’ applause she could be at the game and her dream would come true.
“There’s a few of us trying to campaign to get the FA to do something.
“My kids are going to the game with their dad and a lot of her friends are going too. It would be something special for them to remember her by, and for Leah’s mum as well.
“For a lot of them, it’s still really raw. My daughter can’t sleep on her own, she’s crying a lot. A lot of the parents have kids exactly the same.
“Some of them were there on the trip too and saw what happened.”
The FA said it was “absolutely heartbroken” by the news of Leah’s passing and said it will contact the family to discuss how it can support them.
Leah played for Darlington Youth FC’s under 11s girls team.
In a statement the club said last week: “We are devastated to hear of the tragic passing of Leah Harrison.
“Leah only joined our football family this season but had quickly become a popular member amongst the girls.
Recommended reading:
- Leah Harrison's heartbeaking death and how school trip ended in tragedy
- Football team of budding Lioness Leah Harrison pays tribute after mudslide tragedy
- Readers pay tribute to Darlington schoolgirl Leah Harrison killed in tragedy
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“She was a joy to coach always smiling and trying her best and had shown big improvements during her time with us.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this terrible time.”
“May Leah rest in peace and forever be in our thoughts.”
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