This Sunday, the town of Pudsey will come together for a cause that is both heart-wrenching and beautiful – a tribute to the life of 11-year-old Matilda Pritchard, the daughter of It Works Agency chief Steve Pritchard, who tragically passed away in April this year.
On Sunday, 27th October, Matilda’s family, friends, and community members will gather in Pudsey Park, united by grief but inspired by her powerful legacy. A legacy built not of grand gestures, but of small, meaningful acts – like picking up litter in her local park, one bag at a time, to help create a world she believed could be better.
Dad Steve said: “I used to walk with her. Just the two of us, out in the parks, picking up litter. It wasn’t just about cleaning up; it was about the time we spent together, her smile when she saw a clear space after our work, the joy she found in simply caring for the world. I wish I could have one more day like that with her, to hear her laugh and see the pride in her eyes when she knew she had made a difference.”
Amid the overwhelming grief of their loss, parents Steve and Anna found solace in continuing Matilda’s work – a mission to fulfil her dream of a world without litter.
Matilda’s dad recalls: “Matilda’s dream wasn’t just for herself; it was for all of us. She used to say, ‘Daddy, I dream of a world without litter.’ And now, it’s up to us to make that dream come true. Every piece of litter we pick up, every child who learns to care for their environment because of her story – that’s Matilda’s legacy. That’s her making a difference, even though she’s no longer here.”
In the weeks following her death, they launched a fundraising campaign, hoping to raise £11,213 – a figure that honoured her birthday on 11th February 2013. It was a tribute to the 11 beautiful years Matilda had shared with them, years filled with laughter, kindness, and her deep love for the world around her.
What they didn’t expect was the tidal wave of support. In just two weeks, they surpassed their initial goal as family, friends, and even strangers came forward to show their love and support for Matilda’s dream.
Now, they have set their sights even higher – aiming to raise £42,000 to support the Keep Britain Tidy Eco-Schools programme, empowering children to care for their environment.
Sunday’s special litter pick in Pudsey Park will start at 10 am at the main entrance closest to the bus station (what3words ///flute.drew.solo).
Organised by Steve and Anna in partnership with the Litter Free Pudsey group, the event is open to all – regular litter pickers, friends, family, and anyone touched by Matilda’s story. It’s not just about picking up litter; it’s about keeping her spirit alive, making sure her dream doesn’t fade away with time.
“Matilda cared so deeply,” Steve says. “She couldn’t bear to see rubbish in the places she loved. She believed that even small acts, like picking up litter, could change the world. And she was right. She showed us that one person can make a difference.”
Matilda’s family has already secured the funding for one year of the Eco-Schools programme through Keep Britain Tidy, which will educate and inspire children to care for their environment – just as Matilda did. But the goal is to raise enough to support this programme for five years, ensuring that Matilda’s dream of a litter-free world will live on in the hearts and actions of children for years to come.
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, added: “Matilda dreamed of a world without rubbish, and her dream is one we share. Her passion for keeping her local parks clean is a powerful reminder that even the smallest of us can make the biggest difference. The world would be a better place if we all saw it through Matilda’s eyes.”
To support Matilda’s legacy and her family’s fundraising efforts, please visit matildaslegacy.com or come along on Sunday.
