Crowds gather to walk in memory of St Leonards schoolboy, Harley Simpson

A charity walk in memory of a popular schoolboy drew in more than 250 people.
Crowds turn out for the memory walkCrowds turn out for the memory walk
Crowds turn out for the memory walk

Crowds turned out to take part in the event on Saturday (March 25), organised by Jo Barradine and Gary Simpson, parents of 11-year-old Harley Simpson.

Harley died on November 4 last year following a road collision on October 22 in Bulverhythe Road, St Leonards.

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A silver Renault Espace travelling westbound collided with a central crossing bollard close to the junction with Bulverhythe Road in St Leonards. The vehicle collided with Harley, who was waiting to cross the road.

Harley SimpsonHarley Simpson
Harley Simpson

Harley attended Pebsham Primary Academy before going to The St Leonards Academy.

He also played for Hastings & Bexhill RFC’s under-12 squad.

The Walk of Light for Harley on Saturday started at the Old Bathing Pool site in Sea Road, St Leonards, finished at the Stade Open Space, before returning to Sea Road.

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The event was in aid of You Raise Me Up, a charity that offers financial and emotional support to families that have lost a child.

Harley SimpsonHarley Simpson
Harley Simpson

Jo said: “The turnout included immediate family and extended family, Section 5 Drummers, Hastings and Bexhill RFC, You Raise Me Up, as well as friends, school friends and residents of Bulverhythe. It was an absolute tribute to one special boy.

“Inspiring, warming, amazing, memorable and magical are just a few words to describe this perfect evening. People’s continued support is remarkable.

“We will continue to keep our son’s memory alive and to honour Harley every day until it’s time for us to hold him again. We are eternally grateful and certainly wouldn’t be where we are today without each and everyone of those who have supported us.”

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On the day of the road collision, a 69-year-old man from St Leonards was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving a vehicle while unfit through drugs before being released on police bail.

In December, the man was rearrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He answered bail on March 17 but must report back to police on Monday, April 24.

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