LITTER PICKING BUDDIES supporting NICU and Cystic Fibrosis

EDIT: As we have reached our target, we are continuing to raise funds towards a Giraffe Omnibed Incubator as part of FB page, BECAUSE OF LOUIS.

My son, Harrison (left), is 7 years old who is full of beans, creative, loves animals, and asks a lot of questions. He has had a lot of changes to overcome, and will continue to do so over the coming months. One of his brother's, Louis, passed away on the NICU at New Cross Hospital in 2019 and since then, I (their Mom) has set up a FB page 'BECAUSE OF LOUIS' to support NICU at New Cross Hospital.

As a parent I hope to teach my son a few valuable lessons such as learning a bit about empathy. Understanding that sometimes it takes longer to save for something we really want, followed by that feeling of reward, after working hard to achieve this. Finally, helping to understand the importance of keeping our environment clean and tidy for ourselves and the small animals and insects, as he continues to understand things around him, including his best friend, Alex.

Harrison's best buddy, Alex, is such a beautiful, brave young man dealing with CF (Cystic Fibrosis) on a daily basis. Part of Alex's daily routine is having a lot of physio and medication, and at times, having to spend time in Stoke hospital which Harrison is starting to talk about and understand whilst being together, and with the help of videos that teach children about CF.

One item which Harrison would like is his own Switch like so many. We have already started litter picking in general, which Harrison says is hard work but we do have some fun too, and already noticing that it isn't good when people throw their rubbish on the floor, and not put it in a bin. So I thought, how can I combine all of the above together to reward Harrison's litter picking, his best friend, NICU at New Cross, and CF Ward at Stoke?

After several conversations with Harrison, Alex and his mom over the past few weeks, we have decided we will go out litter picking every week to help the environment, which will help to keep our area that little bit cleaner, and surrounding areas when we can. His best friend will join us sometimes (like they have done before) but understand we need to help to keep Alex safe from nasty bugs too.

To be rewarded and support all of the above, we aim to raise £1200 to purchase 4 Switches. One for Harrison for his hard work. We will also donate one to New Cross NICU for all the children who are visiting their sibling, as sometimes, it is difficult for parents to occupy them when they are also having to concentrate on little bundle of joys and the circumstances which can be very difficult. One shall be given to Alex for all his bravery and to help him when he is feeling poorly, or during his hospital stays. Then finally, we will donate one to the Stoke ward which Alex goes too, to help other children who are dealing with CF or other illnesses.

As a parent, I know this is a big challenge but hopefully one which will teach a few lessons in a positive way, helping the environment, support their own challenges, as well as helping his best friend and so many other young children during a difficult time. Any support shown, no matter how big or small, will be appreciated so much. If you happen to see us about, feel free to pip your horn or say hello, or just a few words of encouragement.

From Harrison, Alex and I, thank you!