Bluebell Wood child touches the heart of 1D star.
Louis Tomlinson, One Direction Star and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice Patron was so touched by the miracle story of one year old Harrison from Sheffield, he wanted to take time out of his busy schedule to meet him.
The North-Anston based hospice, Bluebell Wood, cared for Harrison when he was taken there for end of life care at three weeks old but the little fighter defied all the odds and made a miraculously recovery.
New Mum Samantha and her partner Adam barely had time to get to know their son, Harrison when he was rushed to Rotherham Hospital after contracting meningitis at just three weeks old.
After being transferred to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital his life hung in the balance. Sam and Adam feared the worst so decided to get him christened in an emergency service at the hospital.
Six days later and after two CT scans, they were given the devastating news by doctors that there was nothing more that could be done for their baby. They decided to take him to the peaceful surroundings of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice to spend his final few days.
After his ventilator was switched off it was thought that he would only survive anything from minutes to a few hours. Harrison however, left his family and doctors stunned and began breathing for himself without the machine, making a miraculous recovery. Harrison is continuing to develop normally except for deafness in one ear and mild Cerebral Palsy.
After the amazing support that Harrison’s family received from Bluebell Wood they have gone on to raise over £5,000. This year they have taken on their biggest fundraising challenge by becoming the team to launch Bluebell Wood’s Colour Dash 5k running event. Harrison’s Hero’s will be leading the pack, the aim of the run is to raise over £40,000.
Hearing this story Louis wanted to reach out to the family and get involved in the Colour Dash to aid his local children’s hospice, which is taking place on 3rd May 2014. As Louis will be out of the country on tour he decided to pass on his running number to Harrison and his family to run as number one, in his place.
Louis Tomlinson commented: “Harrison’s story is remarkable, it’s been inspirational meeting him and his family. I can’t think how difficult it must have been for them. Bluebell Wood is a fantastic place that helps so many children and I’m honoured to be their patron and help raise money. The Colour Dash run is going to be huge! I’m sorry that I won’t be there to support the team but it is an honour to pass the number one vest to Harrison.”
Samantha, Harrison’s mum commented, “It has been surreal to meet Louis I can’t believe such a global super star has been touched by our amazing little boy. It is hard to put into words what we went though, it was the toughest time and I’m not sure what we would have done without the help and support from Bluebell Wood. The Colour Dash run will hopefully raise loads of money for this great charity.”
Claire Rintoul, Chief Executive at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice said: “Louis is a great patron of ours and for him to take time out of his packed schedule just shows how much he cares. Harrison is an amazing child, his courage and strength is extraordinary and to see him now looking so well is just wonderful.
We would really like to thank Sam, Adam and all of their family for their hard work fundraising for the hospice, it costs over £3 million a year to provide our vital service to families, and we receive less than 5% statutory funding."
Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice offers care and support to children and young people with a shortened life expectancy, both in their own homes and at our hospice in North Anston. There are only 43 children's hospices in the country so we care for over 170 children from across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.
It costs over £3 million a year to provide this vital service to families in the region, and we receive less than 5% statutory funding.
Our highly specialist care team look after children with a vast range of complex medical needs and we support the whole family on their life journey offering respite care, day care provision, community support, crisis intervention and end of life treatment and care.
Colour Dash is a 5k un-timed race where the participants are showered from head to toe in a vibrant colour at each kilometre. The race finishes in a rainbow shower of colours injecting fun and excitement to this charity run.
Taking place at Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield on 3rd May 2014. Participants will wear white t-shirts to ensure maximum impact from the colour stations, making for some great pictures.
Tickets are £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £40 for families (2 adults, 2 children). You can also enter a team of 8 for £100.
www.bluebellwood.orgTo enter visit