Jades story ~

With Harris in our hearts, I (Harris' mum) am taking on this half marathon. Something that started with just me, soon grew into people coming together to create an awesome team. A team of over 30 runners and mini runners, in honour of Harris - Team Harris!

Let me introduce you to all the other wonderful people who are Team Harris; His brother Mal, his besties Josie and Amy, close family friends and others that have been touched by Harris' spirit. His strength will be our driving force and he will be with us for every step. I'd also like to make a special mention for Harris' friends Lily and Izzy, who we will also be holding close in our hearts on the day, and who's lives were also touched by Rainbows.

As Harris' mum it has given me great comfort to be surrounded by others and to come together for our boy.

For those of you who were fortunate enough to have known Harris or spent some time with him you would have seen him for the handsome and charming cheeky, witty young man that he was. His eyes spoke a thousand words, his smile lit up the room and boy did he know how to get his way, through his determination and fighting spirit. It was this part of his personality that was to see him get through the toughest times in his life. Harris was born with a condition called Cerebral Palsy which had its own set of challenges. We knew that Harris had a life limiting condition but did not let this disability or prognosis define him or our lives. Harris was more than that, he was our loving son and Mal's big brother, he was a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a great friend. Harris taught us to focus on what we have, not what we don’t have.

He taught us to appreciate the simple things in life knowing that one day they would be the big things.

Harris changed perceptions and taught us look at the world from a perspective we had never considered before. Knowing the fragility of life meant that we all lived it to full. And because of that we find comfort in knowing ‘we did it’ not ‘we wish we did it’. From the trip up Snowdon to Elephant riding in Asia, festivals and gigs, pamper sessions, board games, Bamboozle Theatre, listening to music, the theatre trips, the lazy Sunday mornings, spending time with friends and family, and spending many a Saturday come rain or shine proudly watching his dad and brother play cricket.

But where does Rainbows come into this? Well actually late on in Harris’ life in 2023 as his health started to become more complex and as we edged closer to making decisions no family should have to make about their child and brother.

Rainbows wrapped their arms around us as a family and helped us navigate life through unimaginable times. They supported us in the final weeks allowing us to focus on cherishing the precious time we had. For this we are eternally grateful. All of this support comes at an enormous cost.

Over to Rainbows....

Sadly, some children just don't live long enough.

As the East Midlands only hospice for children and young people, Rainbows is a place where life-limited children and their families can find care and support. Our incredible team of people help relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, support parents and siblings through their bereavements and care for children until the end.

Please take a look at our website www.rainbows.co.uk to see more about how your support helps families through the toughest times and you will be helping make precious memories.

Rainbows is a place where children can laugh, play and make every precious moment count, while families already bereaved are supported through the toughest times. Because of you and other supporters like you, a family will be able to make special memories they will cherish forever and bring a smile to their child's face as they laugh and play.

Please help the team brighten short lives - thank you