AS BIRTHDAYS go an 18th is usually special – and that’s certainly the case with Harry Moseley’s as plans are under way to open the relocated Birmingham Drop In Cancer Support Centre in memory of him on his special day.
The ribbon will be cut at the Help Harry Help Others (HHHO) Cancer Centre in Stechford, by ITV’s Ben Shephard – who is an ambassador for the charity – on February 22.
Georgie Moseley, Harry’s proud mum and founder of HHHO, said: “We have recently had to relocate our Birmingham Drop In Cancer Centre due to land regeneration of our old site.
“It has been a really hard time but I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure not only a new building but the future of our centre.
“This year would have been Harry’s 18th birthday so we thought there would be no day more poignant to open the new centre and Harry’s ambassador Ben Shephard will be coming along to do the honours.”
HHHO was the creation of inspirational Sheldon youngster Harry Moseley, who died in 2011 at the age of just 11 after a four-year battle with a brain tumour.
During his brave battle Harry began selling bracelets to raise money for Cancer Research UK – raising over £750,000 through bracelet sales and gaining the backing of many high-profile celebrities.
When Harry passed away his heartbroken mum Georgie and a team of friends took up the baton in his honour to maintain and grow Help Harry Help Others to help children and their families battling cancer.
Georgie carried on her Harry’s legacy by setting up HHHO and in 2015 the charity opened the Birmingham Drop In Cancer Support Centre which supported more than 400 families across Solihull and Birmingham.
Georgie said: “We offer a home-from-home environment for patients and anyone touched by any form of cancer.
“Patients, families and carers can often feel alone and sometimes they need extra support outside of hospital treatment – that’s where we come in.”
Dedicated staff and volunteers at the centre provide counselling and professional advice for people of all ages affected by cancer – including careers advice, life coaching and one-to-one support.
The charity is also launching a new educational training programme, running six-week courses to help patients, carers and loved ones understand their journey following a cancer diagnosis.
Georgie added: “We’re here for everybody, whether that means simply popping in for a cuppa and a chat, meeting new friends who are going through the same thing, or seeking financial or emotional advice – we offer all services under one roof and there is no need for a referral.
“Our new educational training programme has been designed to help people cope with the challenges that come hand in hand with a cancer diagnosis and each course will be tailored to different groups of people to address different feelings and emotions they are likely to experience.”
The centre also offers an array of holistic therapies, including massage, reiki and reflexology, as well as bra and wig fittings and even microblading for cancer patients who may lose their eyebrows through chemotherapy.
The charity also organises social activities at the centre while there is a crafts room and games room for visitors to enjoy some downtime.
For more information visit www.HHHO.org.uk
