A kind-hearted nine-year-old from Suffolk raised enough money to take the whole of her school on a day out.
Lexi-Jane Howe is a year five student at Stanton Primary School.
For the last four years she has attended the Weeting Steam Rally in Norfolk.
This year, the Stanton resident chatted to staff and came up with the idea of raising money for everyone at her school to attend this occasion that takes place in July every year.
She reached out to local businesses and her community and was able to get enough money (£1100) to pay for two buses that transported around 200 people to the event.
She also spoke to organisers and was able to get free tickets for everyone.
As a result of her efforts, she jointly received a ‘Citizen of the Year’ award during the Bury Free Press Community awards held in September 2026.
On her fundraising effort, Lexi said: “I asked lots of people and businesses and they were kind enough to give me a little bit to get the money we needed. The Weeting committee also gave us tickets. I’d like to thank Bromptons Farm, Nigel from The Cock Inn in Stanton, the parish council, The Stan Co Co fund and everyone else who donated. I did this as it makes me really happy (attending the steam rally) and I wanted to make all of my friends happy too.”
Her love of steam engines started when she was five years old. She explains: “I like how you get to drive them (I have two licences) – the highest speed it can go is 20mph. This is going to be a lifelong passion and I’d love to own one in the future.”
In terms of a reaction from her friends Lexi added: “They all said thank you.”
And in relation to future plans she added: “I’m hoping to raise money so that all of the school will come to my street dance show.
Liz Bonnelykke is the headteacher at Stanton Primary Schholo. She said: “Lexi joined us last year. She has not been here long but she has had a massive impact on the community. I’m very proud to be her headteacher. I can’t wait to see what else she does next – she is an incredible student.”
