Harry was a real character, full of fun and games, but one night he tragically went to bed and never woke up. He was just four years old.

The cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia, a heart condition that had gone unnoticed and undiagnosed. Harry’s mum Julia, dad Jeff, twin brother Charlie and older brother Sam were devastated.

“No one expects to lose a child. Harry just went to sleep one day and never woke up,” recalls Julia.

“He was always full of energy and life, a real character, full of mischief and much older in his ways than his four years. In fact that’s perhaps what I miss the most - his fun loving personality. He was always up to something.”

Saying Goodbye

Harry came to Hope House to stay in our Snowflake Suite. It’s a special bedroom, lounge and private garden where families can say goodbye to their children after they have died, in their own time and in their own way.

“We couldn’t stand the thought of Harry lying in a hospital mortuary after he passed away and were so grateful Hope House allowed him to rest in their special Snowflake Suite,” says Julie.

“Thanks to the Snowflake Suite we were able to sit with Harry and say our goodbyes in a warm loving environment, it meant a great deal.

“Losing him has broken our hearts. We miss him so much I cannot begin to put it into words. It's just so cruel.

“Jeff and I both had counselling for some considerable time afterwards by trained Hope House staff which certainly helped.

“We have always tried to support Hope House. It’s an amazing place just full of love.”

Julia has organised a special annual duck race every year since Harry died, which has now raised almost £55,000 for Hope House, to help other families and children.

Harry’s Duck Race will take place on the 4th September. Find out more here