Henry Dylan Allen was just two years old in February 2012 when he was diagnosed with a terrible childhood cancer: Stage 4, High Risk, MYCN Amplified Neuroblastoma. Hopefully, you will know his story – he is a local superhero.
Henry went through two years of gruelling tests, painful treatments and surgeries yet Henry smiled. His happiness and bravery were astonishing.
‘Henry’s Happiness’ won the hearts of our community and the fundraising began – fundraising initially for treatment abroad. Henry’s condition deteriorated and there were no more options. Henry came home and sadly on the 20th October 2013 superhero Henry gained his angel wings. Gone but never forgotten.
But, as with all superheroes, Henry had dreamt BIG and he made his Mummy and Daddy “pinkie promise” to follow his dreams and help the other children. The Henry Allen Trust (THAT) was born.
The trust is run by Dawn and Mark – Henry’s Mummy and Daddy. They work tirelessly with an army of volunteers to keep Henry’s memory alive and to protect his legacy.
Last month, The Henry Allen Trust celebrated its sixth birthday – six years of ensuring Henry’s legacy lives on and Henry’s last wish is granted over two decades.
The people of Milton Keynes and surrounding areas, far and wide including businesses, have given support to the trust over the years and for this the trust and Dawn and Mark, are truly grateful. There are too many to mention but you all know who you are, and you help this hero’s legacy continue – you are all heroes in your own way.
Now, though, Henry’s Heroes – Team Henry – need more help.
Childhood cancer doesn’t stop for a worldwide pandemic
Instead it makes children more vulnerable and families more scared. It makes a hard journey- even harder. Oncology families are not all in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm, the cancer storm with Team Henry supporting.
Since lockdown started in the UK on the 23rd March every day 5 families in the UK will have heard those words “your child has cancer.” Those devasting words echo, and the families will have reeled from the shock.
Henry’s Mummy and Daddy along with Team Henry desperately need support: support to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Without small charities like The Henry Allen Trust, families would not be getting the support needed during this uncertainty.
The charity started with a little boy who captured the heart of a community and now that little boy needs help. Share Henry’s story far and wide; donate to Henry’s Legacy fund. Help keep Henry’s last wish alive.
About the Henry Allen Trust
The Henry Allen Trust was founded in memory of Henry Allen who lost his battle to Stage 4, High Risk, MYCN Amplified Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, in October 2013. His last wish was to bring ‘happiness’ to children and families battling childhood cancer. Dawn, Mark and everyone involved with the trust have worked tirelessly to ensure no family is alone during their journey.
The Henry Allen Trust is there for these families from initial contact, all the way through the rest of their journey, including treatment, remission or palliative/end of life care and beyond. The trust does this by providing treats and wishes, financial assistance and emotional support to the families as well as holding a monthly THAT Support group where families come together to enjoy quality time with each other and share their experiences. The Henry Allen Trust also works with hospitals providing care packs, toys, arts and crafts, ward visits and even specialised equipment.
Ever year The Henry Allen Trust holds various events to FUNdraise vital funds to allow the trust to continue its work supporting children, teens, young adults and their families battling childhood cancer.
For more information about The Henry Allen Trust please visit the website, www.thehenryallentrust.org.uk or to find out how you can help or to find out about available sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Dawn Allen, Director and founder, The Henry Allen Trust
Tel: 07852 903035
or
Deborah Stockwell-Riddy, Office Manager, The Henry Allen Trust
Email: enquiries@thehenryallentrust.org.uk
Tel: 01908 631377
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