11-year old Ella Ritch so impressed staff at WWF Scotland with her fundraising activities they decided to show their appreciation by saying 'thank you' in person.
Last year Ella set up a school stall selling Christmas cards and crafts she had made. She also gave a talk on the important work of WWF to fellow pupils and ran a vote for the animal which the school should adopt via WWF. This inspired pupils to raise enough money to adopt two animals - a Hawksbill turtle and Amur leopard.
At a specially arranged assembly on Monday, Ella was surprised by Mike Olendo who heads up the turtle conservation work for WWF-Kenya in Lamu. He gave a talk to the pupils about the importance of conserving the mysterious marine turtle.
Speaking about how impressed he was with Ella's dedication, Mike Olendo from WWF-Kenya said: "It's always heart-warming to hear how passionate young people are about wildlife and I'm delighted to be able to meet her and personally hand-over her thank you certificate.
"My love of marine life and turtles started well over ten years ago when I was a student in Kenyatta University in Nairobi studying environmental science."
Ella Ritch said: "I couldn't believe it when Mike came into the room. It was amazing to meet him and I'm so pleased that the money we raised is helping him to do his work in Kenya.
I did this because I wanted to help endangered animals. I really hope that I have raised awareness of the awesome work WWF does. I am hoping that other people will want to adopt their own animals too."
Newton Primary Headteacher, Jane McManus, said: "We're really grateful to WWF and to Mike for taking the time to visit the school. It's fantastic for the pupils to get the opportunity to speak to someone who is actually doing the work they raised the funds for."
Stirling Council's Education Convenor Alistair Berrill said: "I found this a very heart-warming story, and should be an inspiration to us all. Well done to Ella, who is a credit to the school."
Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland said: "I'm delighted we were able to surprise Ella at her school. Her efforts to raise funds and awareness of our work really impressed us and it's great to know there are passionate young people out there concerned enough to take steps to protect people and nature. Without people like Ella and her school friends, we wouldn't be able to do the work that we do."
Pictured are Mike Olendo from WWF Kenya and Ella Ritch.
WWF pays tribute to Dunblane schoolgirl
A Newton Primary pupil got a big surprise during a recent school assembly.
