It was way back in 2017 when Cornwall Council chose to defund King Charles Primary School's much loved Lollipop Lady, Sue.

Luckily for Sue, and the pupils she served, a generous private benefactor stepped in to cover her salary, allowing her to remain in post, whilst their child attended the school.

However their child left King Charles this summer, and it looked like Sue's job - and the safety of the pupils - was once again in jeopardy.

Last autumn Sean Stratton, secretary of the PTA, attended a meeting with Falmouth Town Council's Finance and General Purposes Committee.

He laid out their predicament to Councillor Bob O'Shea, in the hope that the Council would come to their aid and pick up the £3,000 tab.

The Committee sympathised with their plight but felt funding should ultimately be Cornwall Council's responsibility.

Deeply unsatisfied Sean decided to take matters into his own hands. A flurry of crowdfunding and leafleting ensued. Within days they'd raised £110, within weeks £765.

He began approaching local businesses about match funding.

And then the Pandemic hit.

It was looking all but impossible that the remaining capital could be raised in time.

Then came a suggestion, from Cornwall Councillor Jayne Kirkham, that he apply to Cornwall Council's One Vision fund.

He did and received a grant of £500. This, coupled with the money crowdfunded earlier in the year, meant that Cormac could renew Sue's contract until summer 2021.

Proof positive that people power works.

But the story doesn't end there; after the success of this year's crowdfunding and campaigning, Sean is hopeful that a group or someone will be able to raise further funds next year to secure Sue's position all the way into autumn/winter 2021 and beyond.

Click here to see the Facebook page of the campaign.

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