Harry Garratt, my son's best friend, died of acute lymphocytic leukemia in March 2021. He was just 26 years old. 

Since his death, my son Guy and many other friends and his family have clubbed together to start a charity in his memory, The HARRY GARRATT FOUNDATION. Harry loved football, and the aim of the charity is to empower children through sport and “give them the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of sports…whether it’s building lifelong friendships, developing healthy habits, or gaining confidence on and off the field.”

The Foundation was officially launched at a lively event in November, and his friends have already raised more than £10,000 through events and commemorative matches since his death. The money is being used to buy kit, hire venues and arrange tournaments, with a special emphasis on underprivileged children. 

OVER THE EASTER WEEKEND 2025, HARRY'S FRIENDS WILL BE TAKING ON THE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE - TO CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAINS OF ENGLAND, WALES AND SCOTLAND WITHIN 24 HOURS. - TO FUNDRAISE FOR HARRY. 

I think this is an amazing initiative.  I'm so proud of my son and Harry's mates.  And I, personally, take a great interest because years ago, I myself suffered from a nearly fatal leukaemia.  I had a different type, chronic lymphomatic leukemia (CLL).  I survived.  The tragedy is that Harry did not. 

PLEASE MAKE A DONATION, HOWEVER SMALL, TO THIS WONDERFUL INITIATIVE.  This is my own, Dad-type, JustGiving page in support of the charity.  Or you can donate through Guy's Three Peaks Challenge for the Harry Garratt Foundation page, also on JustGiving.

OR go along to the Foundation’s next testimonial match, at White Hart Lane, on June 7th.  THANK YOU! 

“Harry was a person who never hesitated to help others and had a passion for giving back. After his passing, we wanted to honor his memory by creating an organisation that embodied his spirit of compassion and generosity.”

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia, is a rapidly progressing blood and bone marrow cancer that affects the immune system and blood cells. It's characterized by the overproduction of immature white blood cells, called lymphoblasts, in the bone marrow. ALL can spread to the lymph nodes, central nervous system, and other organs. It can affect both children and adults, but it's most often diagnosed in younger people.