An intrepid dad is preparing to trek across the Himalayas in memory of his baby son.
Little Henry Kenworthy, from Manchester, was born with a genetic condition called Noonan Syndrome and died when he was just 18-months old.
Despite facing a severe heart condition, feeding difficulties and club feet, among other complications, Henry defied the odds following a difficult and uncertain pregnancy.
When he passed away, his parents turned to Reuben’s Retreat to support them.
The charity supports the family’s of complexly poorly children and those who have passed away through counselling and peer support.
“Nothing can prepare you for the death of your child – you wonder how you will live, and it can be the most lonely and devastating place,” Henry’s dad Danny says.
“Talking about the pain of such a loss is important, as keeping this inside can ramp up the problems in the long term.”
To support the charity, sales manager Danny will join a group of 40 who will be trekking through the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp next Spring.
Danny will hike an impressive 5,384 metres to fundraise for Reuben’s Retreat, which offers two branches of support - one for families of complexly poorly children and the other for those who have suffered a bereavement.
“This is extremely important and close to my heart,” Danny says.
“The wonderful people at Reuben's are creating a home-from-home for those who have lost a child and parents of those living with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions.
“Every penny donated will take the charity a step closer to completing the Retreat and providing a sanctuary for families who desperately need their support – families like us.”
Danny and his wife turned to the charity following Henry’s death on March 5, 2019.
“Henry was born with a genetic condition called Noonan Syndrome,” explains Danny.
“This by no means defined him, as he became a wonderful, cheeky little boy, with an infectious smile and a joy for life.
“Though it took months following his death before we had the energy or courage to contact Reuben’s, when we finally did, we found refuge. More than two years later, we continue to get support from both the charity and other families facing the same unimaginable future without their child: something we need as much now as ever.”
Reuben’s Retreat has a mission to relieve the distress of families who have suffered the loss of a child by providing them with access to a range of services. This includes counselling and support groups, which Danny has personally benefited from.
He adds: “Reuben’s Retreat has provided a release for us at various points, which is why I’m challenging myself with the trip to Everest Base Camp to raise money for them.
“For those who’ve lost a child, don’t be afraid to seek help.
“And for friends and family of those affected, please check in on your loved ones even if they don’t always want to talk about it, as this can be invaluable.
“You never ‘get over’ losing a child, you simply learn to live with it the best you can, and this comes from having a network of support around you. Reuben’s Retreat is part of my network and their help has been hugely appreciated.”
For more on Reuben’s Retreat: www.reubensretreat.org/what-we-do/ or to donate click here.
