Henry is two and has been coming to Richard House since he was seven months old.
Henry was deprived of oxygen during a traumatic birth which left him with severe brain damage and has spent much of his life in hospital. He didn’t know how to cry until he was about three months old.
Mum, Katherine, said: “We were told if Henry survived he would likely have severe mobility issues. It was a devastating moment to know how badly injured Henry was from his birth and that our little boy was facing a struggle for his life.
“It was such a relief to hear him cry for the first time, although it soon rubbed off!
“He first smiled around the time of his first birthday (a much nicer experience than his first cry) and has been giving us little smiles ever since! He is a beautiful little boy and everyone admires his gorgeous long eyelashes!! We are so happy to have him home with us and we are very proud of him.”
Henry loves music, kisses and tickles from his sisters (Eva and Alice) and he is very keen on the beebies programme School of Roars! He also likes it when his dad pushes his wheelchair fast chasing after his sister Eva, and when the family go to the park to feed the ducks. He likes different sounds, especially voices he recognises and, of course, cbeebies!
Henry requires 24 hour medical care which can be very difficult for the whole family, particularly as they also have a 10 month old and a four year old.
Mum said: “Life is busy! Richard House is a wonderfully accepting place for a family like ours. We are able to relax and have fun as a family without standing out from the crowd which we do in our day-to-day life. The staff are amazing and they give us support and respite to be able to function as a young family. It is also a place to get advice and support on those occasions where you feel lost and overwhelmed.
“Richard House is a second home and we are very grateful to be able to access their amazing facilities.”
