Notts family raise over £10k for Rainbows Hospice in son’s memory

The Bingham family and friends of a 22-year-old who touched so many people’s lives, have raised £10,539 in his memory.

Harris Hisham passed away at Rainbows in May. He was 22.

Earlier this year, a team of 22 people put on Harris’ socks – so they could run in his shoes – and took on the Robin Hood Half Marathon. All money raised will go to our charity.

“It was phenomenal watching the donations come in. Knowing that Harris’ legacy lived on through helping others, gave me a sense of hope,” said his mum, Jade – who was part of the team along with Harris’ dad, Joe, and brother, Mal (19). “It was very powerful being surrounded by Team Harris. Harris was just amazing, and the run was amazing.”

Harris was born with Cerebral Palsy. “We knew that Harris had a life-limiting condition but did not let his disability or prognosis define him or our lives,” said Jade. “Harris was more than that, he was our loving son and Mal’s big brother, he was a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a great friend. Harris taught us to focus on what we have, not what we don’t have.

“He taught us to appreciate the simple things in life knowing that one day they would be the big things.

“Harris changed perceptions and taught us to look at the world from a perspective we had never considered before. Knowing the fragility of life meant that we all lived it to the full. And because of that we find comfort in knowing ‘we did it’ not ‘we wish we did it’.

“From the trip up Snowdon to elephant riding in Asia, festivals and gigs, pamper sessions, board games, Bamboozle Theatre, listening to music, the theatre trips, the lazy Sunday mornings, spending time with friends and family, and spending many a Saturday come rain or shine proudly watching his dad and brother play cricket.”

Our charity became a big part of the Hisham’s world during the last year of Harris’ life. The charity provides support to hundreds of babies, children and young people with terminal and

serious illnesses from across the East Midlands, whether that’s at the hospice in Loughborough, at the family’s home or in hospital.

“I don’t even know where to begin with Rainbows,” said Jade. “Our involvement began in the last year of Harris’ life. The previous year I gained an insight into what lay ahead when visiting a friend’s daughter. To see the support that Rainbows offered for end-of-life care reassured me that when we were at that stage, it would be okay because we would be surrounded by a very supportive team.

“For us, Harris’ death happened very quickly. I knew Harris was poorly and I knew Harris was deteriorating. But nothing can describe that journey a parent has with their child being transported from hospital to a hospice, for end-of-life care, knowing that that was going to be his last journey.

“But when the ambulance doors opened, everyone was so welcoming and everybody breathed a sigh of relief, including Harris. It was a surreal feeling, we relaxed. There was a sense of tranquillity and calmness, a very different experience from the clinical setting of the hospital.

“Harris was 22, he was an adult with complex needs. The environment at Rainbows was age and needs appropriate. But most importantly the amazing staff knew when to step in and step up, but equally knew when to step back. Everyone was so intuitive to our family’s needs.”

Harris was only expected to survive for 24 to 48 hours but he lived for a month. “During that month, the whole family’s needs and emotional needs were supported,” said Jade.

“Having the family accommodation was vital for us allowing Mal and his girlfriend to be involved and included. No ask was too big, the team rallied round to make wishes a reality. Harris’ friends could come over and make memories, we had the family over for Sunday dinner, we had therapies, massages, a visit from footballer Morgan Gibbs-White and there was always an extra pair of hands. All of this was so valued.

“Harris had a beautiful death. People feel quite uncomfortable talking about death. I agonised about losing my child every single day, but Rainbows ensured Harris had the most dignified death and he was in control. We weren’t ever scared, all we had was gratitude.

“Why would you not want to go on and raise money for Rainbows? Rainbows is still in our lives whether that is for family support or making a glass leaf for the memorial garden. Rainbows becomes part of your family.

“For anyone who spent time with Harris, they would have seen him for the handsome and charming, cheeky, witty, young man that he was. His eyes spoke a thousand words, his smile lit up the room and boy, did he know how to get his way, through his determination and fighting spirit. It was this part of his personality that was to see him get through the toughest times in his life.

“Rainbows wrapped their arms around us as a family and helped us navigate life through unimaginable times. They supported us in the final weeks allowing us to focus on cherishing the precious time we had. For this we are eternally grateful.

“As our first Christmas approaches without our beautiful boy, we will take time to reflect in what a gift he was. A gift that keeps giving. Thank you to everyone who has donated.”

To support fundraising in memory of Harris, visit Jade Hisham is fundraising for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People