Super sibling, Harry Byrne, has been awarded a national WellChild Award for being an incredible young carer for his seriously ill little brother Reuben.
The WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, celebrates the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, along with those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.
Eight-year-old Harry, from Larkhill in Wiltshire, has also raised thousands of pounds for the charities that have supported him and his family, including Julia’s House children’s hospice.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to watch when Harry met Harry (Prince Harry!) and caught the Duke of Sussex out with his favourite knock-knock joke (from around 24mins onwards).
Harry was presented with his Caring Child Award at a glitzy event in London earlier this month. Harry’s Great Aunt Lorraine who nominated him for the WellChild Award, said, “All the family are extremely proud of Harry and wonder what he will come up with next! Please not swimming with sharks Harry!”
It’s the second time this year that Harry’s been recognised for being an inspirational young person – his family were awarded a Courageous Family Award in The Child of Britain Awards in June.
Harry was a loving and very caring big brother to two-year-old Reuben, who sadly passed away five days before Christmas last year.
Reuben was born with a very rare and complex condition which caused his brain to deteriorate.
Harry’s mum, Sophie, said, “Harry wasn't just Reuben's brother, he was also a fantastic young carer. When Reuben had a seizure, he would hold his oxygen and tell him, ‘it’s okay Reu Reu.’ It all came so naturally to him and Reuben was always so happy in the arms of his big brother.”
Sophie said, “I can remember walking in the woods with Harry one day and he told me, ‘I want to take Reuben’s condition from him and have it instead, so he can have a happy life.’ He takes your breath away with his kindness and we’re so incredibly proud of him.”
