Charity Champion award, sponsored by Brendon International

AFTER the heartbreak of losing their son Harry, Sarah and Paul Cardwell have devoted themselves to raising money for the hospital that tried so hard to save him.

Harry James Cardwell, from Windle, tragically died in August 2023 aged 10, after he collapsed during a family holiday in Cornwall.

After he was airlifted in an induced coma to Bristol Children’s Hospital where they diagnosed him with a rare blood clot in his brain, he underwent a 12-hour surgery, in which he was resuscitated twice and had a full body blood transfusion with three surgeons operating.

They successfully removed the clot, and Harry was stable for 10 days but a brain infection led to the Bleak Hill pupil tragically passing away.

Sarah, husband Paul, and Harry’s brother Oscar, wanted to do something positive in Harry’s memory for the hospital which tried so hard to save his life.

A fundraising page has seen more than £25,000 raised and they have organised various fundraising events from tribute nights to runs and more.

They also help Alder Hey, who saved Harry’s life at 14 months.

After receiving the award on Friday night, an emotional Sarah said: “This journey started 10 years ago for him and for our boys and we will continue to do so because we all miss him so much.

“We wouldn’t be here without our incredibly friends and family, they’re our rocks.”

Paul added: “I don’t think many people could put themselves in our shoes and if I had the choice I wouldn’t, but this is where we are.

“Sarah’s done amazing and she’s an inspiration, she’s been fantastic.”

Sarah and Paul also praised Bleak Hill Primary School for their “fantastic” support, who held a colour run with Oscar getting all his friends involved.

Highly commended for the Charity Champion award for Luke Grounds and Rainhill Gala.