I don’t know Harry Moseley. I’ve never had the privilege of meeting him. My knowledge of him extends to this: he is an 11 year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumour who has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity through his tireless work. I know that in doing so, he’s amassed thousands of admirers, including celebrities such as Duncan Bannatyne and the entire England football team. I know that he has attracted the attention of the Prime Minister, who vowed to wear one of his bracelets, thus contributing his few pounds to a worthy cause. I know that his favourite film is Toy Story 3, about a boy who, due to circumstances beyond his control, has to step away from childhood and into the big bad world. And I know that, after several weeks in a coma following his latest operation, tomorrow Harry will go home and spend his final moments with his family.
On a day where tributes to Steve Jobs drop from millions of lips, the tragic story of people like Harry can often go unnoticed. This is a boy who, at such a young age, should be spending his time kicking a football in the street, riding a bike in the park, going to the cinema. Instead, he has spend much of his childhood within hospital wards, undergoing test after test, and operation after operation.
We could all learn something from Harry. Many people, upon hearing such a devastating diagnosis, would (and do, understandably) capitulate. They simply implode. But Harry has faced his demons head-on, turning a tragic event into something positive, raising over half a million pounds for Brain Cancer Research through his ‘Help Harry Help Others’ campaign. In doing so, he will leave a legacy which will be remembered for decades to come.
As I said, I don’t know Harry, but his story has still touched me and millions of others. In a society where many children possess no morals, he has risen head and shoulders above the rest. He is nothing short of an inspiration. His family should be incredibly proud of the way he and they have handled such an awful situation.
Please spare a thought for Harry and his family at this terrible time.
Wake up, Harry.
Edit: Harry passed away at 11.10pm on Saturday 8th October. Our thoughts are with his family. Please spare a thought for Harry.
What a moving story. I can’t believe I haven’t come across Harry before. Such a sad but inspirational post. I hope his family get to read it, I expect it would make them very proud.
I’ve met harry. He gave a talk at the school I teach at. I recall sitting next to his mother and feeling that in a world that, at times, is so self obessed here was a boy to be really proud of, never thinking of himself, always with a smile and an acceptance that his life would never be long but whilst he could he wanted to make a difference.
My tears are not for a wasted life but for the fact he will leave a huge hole in the life of his family, his school and his community. Please, wake up Harry.