The parents of a four-year-old boy who died tragically of a hidden condition have now opened up about why an annual event is key in helping keep his memory alive for them.
Harry Jones was just four when he passed away in his sleep in 2004, due to an undetected and undiagnosed heart condition - cardiac arrhythmia, report Daily Post.
And now, for the past 10 years, Harry's Mum, Julia, has organised an annual duck race in his memory.
Harry's family, from Wrexham, say the duck race, which will be held on Sunday, September 4, at Pontblyddyn Cricket Club, helps keep the memory of Harry alive. The event is held in order to raise funds or Hope House Children’s Hospices.
“Hope House has been there for us since Harry died,” said mum Julia, who organises the event. “The duck race has been going for more than 10 years, although has been a little different the last two years with Covid.
"Every year we raise money for Hope House so that other families can get the care and support that we were fortunate to receive. But not only that, it keeps Harry’s memory alive.”
After Harry died, Julia and Harry’s dad Jeff couldn’t stand the thought of Harry lying in a hospital mortuary and were grateful for the use of the hospice’s Snowflake Suite, where they could say goodbye in a comfortable, loving environment.
Harry’s brothers Sam and Charlie were also supported for many years through counselling and through the specialist work the hospices does with brothers and sisters.
“The help and support we received was so important,” said Charlie.
“I remember doing expression of emotion through paintings as I was quite young at the time. Looking back that was so important.”
Sam said: “They have been there for us when we need them. Grief is one of those things where you can be going along and suddenly something happens and you feel like you’re back to square one again.
"That’s why it’s been good to be able to have Hope House there, and that’s why we want to keep raising money through things like the duck race, so others can get the support we have.”
Nicky Eyes, fundraiser, said: “Over the years the support from Julia, Jeff and the boys has been invaluable. Every week, three local families face their biggest fear and their child dies.
"We need to raise £7.5m a year to support all the children and families we help. That’s why it’s so important that we are supported by events such as Harry’s Duck Race.”
