NGH Paddington & Disney ward outdoor play space.

Harry and a few of his U14 Bugbrooke Badger Rugby teammates are running the 3km Junior Wolf Run on Sunday 8th June to raise funds for the Northamptonshire Healthcare Charity. Their current fundraising goal is for an accessible outdoor play area for the Paddington & Disney Wards at NGH.

Harry wants to give back to NGH as a thank you for the amazing care he received when he was rushed there unexpectedly in early January.

Harry has always been a healthy and sporty boy. He went to bed as normal and very nearly didn’t wake up the next morning. He was in a critical condition for a few days, on the verge of needing to be placed on ventilation and in a medical coma to be transferred to paediatric intensive care at a different hospital far from home. The incredible staff at NGH & Paddington Ward helped stabilise Harry and saved his life.

We now know that Harry had a virus which resulted in him developing meningoencephalitis (an rare infection of the brain and spinal fluid). This is often fatal, with 70% of those that survive left with long term/ lifelong physical and mental changes.

As Harry’s condition stabilised, the infection in his brain left him entirely unable to speak, partially deaf and paralysed down his right side, but fully aware of his surroundings and situation. The fantastic staff on Paddington Ward helped start Harry’s rehabilitation as his medication began working, and kept him calm and reassured as he was locked in and aware that he’d lost the use of his leg, arm and hand.

The speedy actions of the paramedics on that first day, the resuscitation team and the staff on Paddington Ward, along with over 100 drips of various aggressive medicines, not only saved Harry’s life, but gave him the best chance to rehabilitate and thankfully, Harry has now gained full use of his right hand side, can walk & talk as before and is returning to school full time. He looks to be one of the lucky few, who will make a full and complete recovery.

Training for this Wolf Run and raising funds for NGH has been a huge motivator in Harry’s physical rehab. His rugby team have been so incredibly supportive from the moment he was taken ill, and have kept Harry’s spirits up and motivated him to return to full fitness.

The Badgers are continuing to support him by completing this 3km Wolf Run with him to get muddy and messy and help him get around the course.

Please can you sponsor Harry and the Bugbrooke Badgers lads to raise as much money for the children and families at NGH. Should anyone ever find themselves on the Paddington or Disney wards with a poorly child, some reprieve in an accessible outside play space really would make such a difference.

Thank you.