A SIX-year-old is taking on a 45-mile hiking challenge to raise money for the hospice that looks after his seriously ill baby brother.
Harry Byrne will walk the distance between Julia’s House children’s hospice in Wiltshire and Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices in Hampshire to raise vital funds for the charities.
The nurses and carers from these hospices provide clinical and respite care for Harry’s family and his one-year-old brother Reuben, who was born with an extremely rare and life-limiting condition that causes brain damage.
Because of lockdown rules, Harry will walk loops around his local area of Larkhill, near Salisbury, to achieve his 45 mile goal.
He aims to cover 15 miles a day over three days, from today (Friday, January 22).
Dad Sean will join him for the full challenge, with mum Sophie and little brother Reuben taking part where they can.
'He wanted to swim with sharks'
Harry’s mum Sophie said he originally wanted to swim with sharks, but they talked him out of that and he has "settled" on the hiking challenge.
She said: “The challenge was Harry’s idea – he told me he wanted to raise money for the charities that look after his poorly brother. He’s been jumping with joy at the support he’s had so far and can’t wait.”
She added: “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.
Already, the St Michael’s C of E Primary School pupil has exceeded his target, raising more than £1,800 online for the children’s hospices so far.
The family lost Harry’s older sister Olivia eight years ago to the same condition that Reuben was born with – so rare that there are only 17 recorded cases worldwide.
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".
“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,” Sophie said.
“Reuben has such complex needs that he can’t be looked after by anyone that’s not trained. The sibling workers at Julia’s House also take Harry out for a play just on his own too, which he absolutely loves.”
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."
Peter Abrahams, Head of Supporter Services at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said, “What an incredible young man you are – thank you so much superhero Harry for being an inspiration to us all and taking on this brilliant challenge to help local life limited and life threated children, young adults and families."
If you would like to support Harry’s challenge, go to virginmoneygiving.com/SophieByrne3. So far, he has raised almost £2,500.
Find out more about Julia’s House, make a donation or join a fundraising challenge at juliashouse.org or follow the charity on Facebook @JuliasHouseChildrensHospice
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