Canvey lollipop lady to leave role after 15 years

Donna Adams, 55, started working as a crossing guard on the island in 2006, working on a variety of roads to keep youngsters safe.

But plans to move to the Norfolk Broads means Donna will be giving up the job she describes as “the best in the world”.

She said: “I have enjoyed every second of it.

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“I loved seeing the children’s little faces and watching them travel through their years of primary school.

“15 years of watching thousands of children start nursery and progress all the way through school is so rewarding.

“I became a lollipop lady as I couldn’t have a normal job due to my daughter being in hospital.

“I didn’t have to take the work, and they didn’t have to give it to me, so it worked out.”

Donna regularly acted as cover for other crossing guards, she would take the roles when some were off sick, on holiday or a position was vacant.

One parent, Alison Pollard, says her children loved Donna and admits she will be greatly missed by the community.

Alison said: “She was always there to give a friendly ‘good morning’ and ‘thank you’ while taking my two children to school.

“I didn’t realise at the time; I was then talking to a life-long friend.

“I had not long moved to the island, and Donna was instantly warming and friendly.

“She always had time for everyone and with her great sense of humour and a smile on her face.

“She will be missed, not just on the crossings but on the island too.”

Another parent, Wendy Payne, explained how she and her son, Lewis, seven, both love seeing Donna on the crossing near William Read School.

“She is amazing, she is so welcoming to the kids and parents and we all love seeing her on the crossing.

“There will never be another Donna.

“Lewis has begged her to come back.

“He said to me ‘she is allowed one week off, then we want her to come back’.”