Unique minibus for Horsham school in memory of Georgia

The Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School received the bus on Monday November 10 as a result of funds raised in memory of former student Georgia Barnes, who passed away in 2012. Georgia’s family formed a committee of friends and staff from QEII and together they spearheaded the effort to raise the £40,000 needed to purchase a suitably customised bus for the school. The events included a formal ball at Easter, a gala performance by the whole school at The Capitol in June and an outdoor music festival in July, at which Georgia’s sister Carly and cousin Fran raised more than £12,000 with a sponsored head shave. The 17 seater minibus is bright red – Georgia’s favourite colour - and has been decorated with custom signs by SL2Signs of Horsham to reflect both the school’s identity and some of her favourite activities. These include Lego and threading beads, which have been incorporated in colours carefully chosen to match the school logo. Georgia’s mother, Tracey Thorne, said: “Now that we are able to hand the school a brand new bus in memory of Georgia it is like a dream fulfilled for me and my family. We would like to thank all the people who have contributed and helped to make this come true for us.” Mrs Dyer said: “We are excited to have our brand new minibus. Georgia was a very special student at QEII who loved trips out on our buses. “Our pupils are all delighted with the bright red bus and can’t wait to make use of it. We are indebted to Tracey, her family and friends who worked so hard to raise the funds for our much needed new bus.” The Just Giving donation website for the project is still live, so anyone would like to donate can go to www.justgiving.com/carly-jones6 To find can find out more about QEII School go to www.queenelizabeth2.w-sussex.sch.uk