Against all the odds a Bridlington youngster has started school…and watching your child go to school for the first time is a proud moment – but it was a day his parents thought they would never see.
Henry Waines, who will be five on 15 November, started his primary education at Hilderthorpe School in Bridlington in September and according to his mum Shevonne – is loving every minute.
“Henry is such a delightful little boy who is thriving even with all he has to manage with his health needs. We as parents are just so happy that he has started in school at the same time as his peers so he can develop lifelong friendships from here.” said his mum Shevonne.
“I cannot praise Hilderthorpe School enough, especially the headteacher and the special educational needs co-ordinators have been fantastic in making this happen. We are eternally grateful to them for their support and ensuring Henry is rightfully in school even against challenges we have faced in making it happen.”
Young Henry was just five weeks old when he was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart condition which left his left artery wrapped around his windpipe.
After undergoing surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London he spent much of his time in hospital. Henry had a tracheostomy and a ventilation tube fitted which helps his breathing.
“I now employ 8 staff to support Henry through the day and night whenever we need it. This enables him to go into school with two fully competent people who can manage all life threatening eventualities that potentially could happen in an instant.
“We call our team Henry’s Angels – and they really are! They’re amazing and they help make family life as normal as it possibly can be. We’re so thankful to have found them and have them.”
Sarah Hall, headteacher at Hilderthorpe school, said: “It has been a real privilege to be able to see Henry complete his first full weeks in school this September. It really was such a special milestone for us to share with his family. He is always so keen to learn and has loved making new friends. He certainly lets nothing hold him back and we can’t wait to see all he achieves at school.”
And to add to all the excitement of Henry starting school, he was crowned the ‘Most Inspirational Child’ in the Wellchild Awards which was held in London on September 8.
“Henry had the pleasure of meeting Ella Henderson, Frankie from the Saturdays and being picked up by Duncan Bannatyne’s wife in an attempt to address the attendees from the stage. He met Toni Huggill who became immediate friends.” said Shevonne.
“The evening was due to be a celebration of inspirational children and also professionals who won awards this year, but unfortunately as we sat at the table to start the awards, Gabi Roslin stood up and informed us all of the Queen’s passing. The awards were therefore cancelled which was disappointing but completely understandable and appropriate. We were sad not to have met Harry and Megan (who were due to attend) obviously.” explained Shevonne.
“Henry’s health continues to be challenging however we have made some process with smaller medical equipment being in use now and Henry settling onto these with support of Great Ormond streets guidance and more recently from the long term ventilation nurse specialist at Leeds General Infirmary. added Shevonne.
A JustGiving charity link for anyone who wishes to donate to Great Ormond Street Hospital is:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shevonne-zara-waines
