6 year old Salisbury boy hiking 45 miles in support of seriously ill brother
He started the challenge yesterday (Friday 22nd January)
A 6 year old boy from Larkhill is hiking 45 miles over three days in support of seriously ill younger brother.
Harry Byrne is walking the distance between Julia's House children's hospice in Devizes and Naomi House & Jacksplace near Sutton Scotney to raise funds for the two charities.
They are supporting his one year old brother Reuben, who was born with an extremely rare and life limiting condition that causes brain damage.
The Byrne family sadly lost Harry's older sister Olivia eight years ago to the same condition, which only has 17 recorded cases of it across the world.
She was eight months old when she passed away and the family were told it was unlikely to happen again as doctors were still learning about the condition.
Harry's mum Sophie said:
"No matter how strong you are, it’s not until you’re put in a position like ours that you realise how fundamental children’s hospices like Julia’s House are for your wellbeing and to help you make those memories as a family."
THE CHALLENGE
So in order to raise vital funds for the two charities, Harry will walk loops around his local area to achieve his 45 mile goal.
He is aiming to cover 15 miles a day for three days, starting yesterday.
His Dad, Sean, will join him for the whole challenge while his mum and Reuben will take part where they can.
Already, Harry has raised nearly £2,000.
Sophie added:
"The challenge was Harry’s idea - he told me he wanted to raise money for the charities that look after his poorly brother. Originally he wanted to swim with sharks but we managed to talk him out of that and he’s settled on the hospice to hospice hike. He’s been jumping with joy at the support he’s had so far and can’t wait.
45 miles is a big distance for a six-year-old, but Harry’s got incredible stamina and just loves being outdoors. Reuben’s condition means that he can have up to 10 seizures a day when he just stops breathing, so I don’t drive on my own with him often and walk several miles a day to take Harry to school.
Reuben has such complex needs that he can’t be looked after by anyone that’s not trained. So when the Julia’s House nurses come into our home so full of energy, it gives us peace of mind that Reuben is in safe hands and getting that extra love and care while we spend quality Mummy and Daddy time with Harry. The sibling workers at Julia’s House also take Harry out for a play just on his own too, which he absolutely loves."
HOW TO SUPPORT HARRY
Harry has set up a Virgin Money Giving page for people to donate to.
The money will be directly split between the two organisations and you can support his cause by clicking here.
Nicky Clack, Wiltshire Fundraising Assistant at Julia’s House, said:
"Harry is a superhero in our eyes and an incredibly caring big brother. The money Harry’s raised so far will help to provide vital hours of clinical care, emotional support and respite to families with seriously ill children like Reuben.
We’re entirely reliant on public funding in Wiltshire to provide our life-changing care in the community, so we can’t thank Harry enough for the difference he’s making and wish him the best of luck in his hospice to hospice challenge."