Seven-year-old Henry praised by local mayor for his fundraising efforts at Windmill House

On Thursday the 21^st of July, Windmill House hosted a thank you celebration tea party with Mayor Cllr for Broadland and South Norfolk, Kevin Hurn, to congratulate Henry’s fundraising achievements.

Seven-year-old Henry has become a well-known figure within the Wymondham community by reading to residents at Windmill House to help raise money for a sensory aid, HUG by LAUGH®.

HUG by LAUGH® is a sensory product designed to bring pleasure and comfort to people living with dementia. It is designed to be cuddled, with a realistic heartbeat sound inside and the ability to play music that can be easily changed to their favourite playlist.

During the pandemic, Henry has hosted virtual reading sessions for the residents to help support them for a purchase of a HUG by LAUGH® sensory aid, raising over 1000 pounds so far.

His hard work and dedication caught the attention of the mayor, who attended the thank you presentation tea party at Windmill House.

The tea party was celebrated with all the residents, staff, and family members, with fresh strawberries, Cornish clotted cream, fresh baked fruit scones and Bucks Fizz. Henry was presented with a Runwood Homes Outstanding certificate, a trophy and rosette by Wymondham Town Mayor Cllr Kevin Hurn.

Kevin was impressed with Henry’s fundraising abilities and said: ‘I had a very enjoyable afternoon at Windmill House on Thursday 21st July, meeting Henry and some of the staff and residents. Henry is a wonderful, dedicated, and sincere young man, who is a credit to his parents. His commitment towards helping others, his reading skills, fundraising efforts, and caring nature are truly admirable, and it was a pleasure to meet Henry and his family. I would like to thank everyone for their hospitality and for such a warm welcome.’

Wellbeing Lead, Fran Annis, said: ‘Henry has been helping residents at Windmill House during Covid-19 and wanted to help give back to the residents that his mum cares for. We are so very proud of him and want to thank CLLR Kevin Hurn, Henry’s family and everyone who attended Henry’s thank you presentation tea party. It has been absolutely fantastic for the residents and they look forward to his next few visits.’