Anthony Joshua, Rishi Sunak, Bear Grylls and Denise van Outen queue up to meet Sun’s Young Hero at Who Cares Wins
VIEWERS watched teary-eyed tonight as they saw Harry Byrne named Young Hero at The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards.
The inspirational lad has raised more than £95,000 by starting a walk “to the moon and back” in memory of little brother Reuben.
Aged just six, Harry walked 45 miles in three days — the distance between the two hospices that cared for Reuben, who suffered from a rare genetic condition.
Harry has gone on to clock up 16,000 miles.
Proud mum Sophie said: “He truly wanted to prove to Reuben that he loved him to the moon and back.
“With the help of his moon trekkers — family and friends — they did challenge after challenge.
“Harry covered 500 miles in three months. The last mile Harry took Reuben on a specially adapted bike.
“He also walked to school every day, pushing Reuben in an astronaut outfit.
“Not only did he raise lots of money but most importantly wonderful memories were made.
Reuben died in his sleep aged two, five days before Christmas 2021.
Sophie said: “Harry climbed into Reuben’s bed, like he did every morning, and promised him he would climb a mountain in his memory. In April 2022, we conquered the Three Peaks Challenge.”
Harry, now nine, was a star of the heart-warming show screened by Channel 4.
It was held last week in North London, sponsored by The National Lottery and in partnership with NHS Charities Together.
Harry was dubbed “the hero of the night” by TV favourite Denise Van Outen, while Chief Scout Bear Grylls hailed him “a brilliant example to so many”.
After they presented him with his award, Harry dedicated his win to his brother “Reubear”. He said: “Thank you so much. It’s actually Reuben’s birthday tomorrow.”
Back stage, PM Rishi Sunak rushed over to shake Harry’s hand, saying: “What you’ve done is really remarkable. It’s an honour to meet you.”
Football mad Harry, from Larkhill, Wilts, was also treated to a video message from England starr Declan Rice who told him: “Reuben would be so proud of you.”
The audience at the event were shown a film telling how Reuben’s death was the second loss for parents Sophie, 31, a childminder, and Sean, 36, a Royal Artillery warrant officer.
Their first child Olivia also died from genetic syndrome PIGB, in 2013, aged just eight months.
There are only 20 known cases in the world, and in the video Sophie said they were assured “lightening was unlikely to strike twice”.
Healthy Harry was born in 2014. Two years ago the couple had Felix, also free from the condition.
Sophie said: “Harry saw first hand the work from the amazing NHS and charities and he wanted to show his gratitude.”
Harry told adventurer Bear how his favourite peak was Snowdon, in north Wales.
The TV presenter who scaled Everest in 1998, replied: “I remember doing Snowdon before we left for Everest. I was 22 and it was hard. Doing it at your age, you’ve got to be exceptional.”
He added: “But what really sets Harry apart is his heart. A wonderful brother, so determined and a brilliant example to so many.”
Denise added: “I’d give the Three Peaks a go, with Harry. But Harry, do I need to do a lot of training, have I got time?”
The kind-hearted lad then offered to carry her backpack. But the TV star joked: “It’s got a lot of make-up in it, You’d probably have a look and go, ‘I’m not carrying that up’.”
Earlier in the evening, Harry was congratulated by James Cordon and boxer Anthony Joshua while footballer Troy Deeney offered to send him a signed shirt.
Sophie, who nominated Harry for the award, said her son has been the glue that has held his family together.
She said: “I don’t know what grief feels like for a nine-year-old. I don’t know how hard it hits, or when.
“But I do know with every joyful step Harry takes he continues to inspire many people. He’s the most courageous boy I know.”
An overwhelmed Harry added: “I can’t believe I’ve won, it feels amazing. This award is for Reuben.”
- Donations to Harry’s fund can be made here