Harry Todd (25 February 1993 - 9 January 2012)

Harry was my son. He was a happy chap, always smiling; he just happens to have Down’s syndrome and an inoperable heart condition.

From the beginning it was clear that Harry had health problems. This was devastating news but all the same we hung onto hope.

Harry repaid our hope. He survived and thrived. He truly relished life, even though he suffered from poor health, chest infections and all the other problems associated with a “broken heart” (as a young friend once described it).

Harry soldiered on through a series of heart operations, most of which worked, some of which failed, to alleviate the symptoms and improve his quality of life.

 

Harry lived his life to the full and in doing so gave joy to those around him. His unstinting joie de vivre improved the enjoyment of our own lives, just as much as his poor health brought us low.  

 

KEEN was a significant part of Harry's life. Harry truly enjoyed going to KEEN. Every Saturday lunchtime he would ask if this was a KEEN Saturday. He was very happy in the company of the people who worked with him there, he loved the activities - the hokey-cokey especially.

 

I would like to thank all the KEEN volunteers and organisers who have contributed to Harry's involvement in KEEN and the great fun and happiness they brought to Harry's short life.

 

It is for this reason that I ask for donations to KEEN so that other young people with special needs like Harry may have the opportunity for fun and adventure and to give their families small windows of respite in otherwise demanding lives.

 

Thank you also for remembering Harry and celebrating his life through your donation.

 

Rose