Thank you for creating Harry's online memory box. We hope that it becomes a place where you, your friends and family can come together and remember your loved one in all their brilliance for years to come.

Message from Charlie to Harry In a baby castle just beyond my eye, my brother plays with Angel toys that money cannot buy. Who am I to wish him back into this world of strife? No, play on my baby brother, for you have eternal life. At night when all is silent, and sleep forsakes my eyes, I hear you’re tiny footsteps come running to my side; your little hands caress me, so tenderly and sweet, I breathe a prayer and close my eyes, and embrace you in my sleep. Now I have a treasure that I rate above all other, that you have known the glory, but you are still my brother.

The Family’s Reflections on Harry’s Life As everybody will know, Harry was dealt a very poor hand right from birth. He was always described as suffering from global developmental delay and severe learning difficulties. Notwithstanding that, he was always happy, and never showed signs of frustration or anger, and hardly ever cried. Although virtually non-verbal, he developed a wonderful and mischievous sense of humour, encouraged and egged on by his big brother and his cousins. So our years with Harry, though tinged throughout with sadness and challenges relating to his condition, has been a very happy time, and has left us with so many memories that we will laugh about for years to come. His demeanour endeared him to all who came into contact with him; first at Footsteps nursery school in Chalfont St Peter, then at Marlow Opportunity Playgroup, and finally at Chiltern Wood School. In all settings, he presented a quiet and contented presence, contributing to activities in his own way, and was always hugely popular. The fact there are so many representatives from each of those settings here today is testament to that, and the family is very grateful to you all for coming. The staff at Chiltern Wood School have all been brilliant with Harry and nothing was considered too much trouble, especially over the last few difficult months as his condition was deteriorating. The family want to voice a huge vote of thanks to his class teachers, the school nurse, and all those who gave so much support, sometimes way beyond the call of duty, 17 of whom have joined us here today. A very special word of appreciation must also go to the National Health Service who are, too often, victims of criticism and complaint. Leaving aside the issues relating to Harry’s birth, the care and attention he has received since then has been simply fantastic. This has been particularly the case since his condition took a turn for the worst in about September 2018, and includes doctors and staff at the Specialist Children’s Service at Upton Hospital, the Children’s High Dependency Unit at Wexham Park, and the Intensive Care Unit at John Radcliffe, where the expertise of the doctors and nurses, and the availability of so much highly technical equipment was just staggering. Once again, we are joined here today by six of those wonderful ladies to whom we owe so much. These comments of appreciation also apply to our Community Nurse, who has been so supportive, often again, well beyond the call of duty, and who also is here today. For the past 16 months, our diaries have been full of appointments for so many procedures and investigations seeking to identify a unifying diagnosis that could be treated, and all in the hope they could eliminate the one conclusion that they knew was incurable, irreversible and life limiting. And finally, we cannot thank and praise too highly the staff and facilities at the Helen House Hospice where Harry was transferred on Monday the 6th January, and where he defied the predictions for a full 11 days. Helen House is a very special place, and the staff there are very special people. It is a tragedy that the Douglas House part of the hospice had to be closed some time back because of inadequate funding, and that is why we are making Helen House our chosen charity and to whom we are inviting donations though the Much Loved website. Our time at Helen House was a happy time, despite the circumstances, and that is what it aims to provide. Their skill and dedication is very low profile, but wonderfully efficient and effective for families including siblings. Charlie was so well looked after that he will remember his last few days with Harry as happy times. We have two of the Helen House staff here today and thank you both for coming all this way. Harry touched the hearts of so many people, in so many different ways, and we are, in turn, touched by the number of people who have joined us here today from every aspect of Harry’s life. An example is the wonderful lady who, over the years, has done battle with Harry to perform immaculately, the one task he liked least of all and fought so hard to disrupt – having his hair cut. But our last few words are reserved for Charlie, Will, Ted and Daisy. You have all helped and supported Harry brilliantly in so many ways, and we want you to know that we are so proud of you for that. You have helped to make his a very happy life, and you can think back and remember those times in the knowledge that you contributed so much to his wellbeing and his enjoyment of life.