Larkhill 6-year-old raises £14,000 for children's hospices
Harry walked 45 miles for the hospice's that are caring for his one-year-old brother Reuben
Last updated 17th Feb 2021
A six-year-old from Larkhill has raised more than £14,500 by hiking 45 miles for the children's hospices that care for his baby brother.
Harry Byrne took on a 'Hospice to Hospice' hiking challenge last month to raise money for Julia's House children's hospice in Wiltshire and Naomi House & Jacksplace children's hospices in Hampshire.
He covered the 45 mile distance between the two hospices that care for his little brother Reuben over just three days by walking loops in his local area.
Harry's Dad Sean joined Harry for the full walk.
"Because of Covid-19 restrictions we had to do the challenge close to our home in Larkhill, which isn't a bad thing because it's a beautiful part of the world. We took in the local attractions of Woodhenge and Stonehenge on the way."
Mum, Sophie and one-year-old Reuben also met the pair at different stages along the way to cheer them on.
WHY HARRY WANTED TO DO THE WALK
Harry's little brother Reuben was born with a condition that causes brain damage - so rare that it doesn't have a name yet and there are only 17 cases worldwide.
Because of his condition, Reuben can suffer up to ten apnoeic seizures a day where he stops breathing. When this happens, Harry will often stroke Reuben's head and hold up the oxygen to help his little brother when he comes out of the seizure.
The family sadly lost Harry's older sister Olivia eight years ago to the same condition. She was just eight months old when she died, and because doctors are still learning about the condition, the family were told that 'lightning wouldn't strike twice'.
HOW MUCH HAS HE RAISED?
Harry's received support from as far as Scotland, meaning the St Michael's C of E Primary School pupil's total fundraising amount stands at £14,500.
Dad Sean says they are immensely proud of Harry:
"Not just the physical exertion of doing the challenge - but also the noble cause behind it.
"The hospices that care for Reuben rely on public funding to provide the vital and essential support that they give to families like ours.
"And it's not something that they've stopped doing during lockdown - their nurses and carers are continuing to support us throughout and keep Reuben safe and well at home."
Harry and Sean were treated to snow on the final day of their challenge on January 24, and they celebrated by building a snowman at the finish line.
"The snow was a big distraction because Harry wanted to keep stopping to have a snowball fight, but it did make it special, and it was a really wonderful experience for us to look back on and remember."
Nicky Clack, Fundraising Administrator for Julia's House, said:
"We're so impressed that Harry managed to complete his challenge in just three days and still have the energy to build a snowman at the end! We'd like to say a huge thank you to hero Harry - his miles will help us to continue caring for families and children with life-limited conditions, like Reuben, in the Wiltshire community."
Peter Abrahams, Head of Supporter Services at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said:
"We are extremely grateful for Harry's extraordinary efforts - coming up with this challenge and facing it head on with a smile and bundles of energy, and raising a phenomenal amount for Naomi House & Jacksplace and Julia's House - all for his little brother. Sophie and Sean should be incredibly proud of their superhero son - his motivation is truly inspiring. Well done Harry and a huge congratulations for completing your 45 miles in the snow!"