A 25-kilometre walk will support the charity that got a boy where he is today after a birth defect in the brain was spotted in lockdown.

Harry, from Watford, was only diagnosed with agenesis of the corpus callosum in April 2021 despite his parents fearing something might be wrong during the first lockdown in 2020.

The three-year-old had struggled to support his head during the weening stage but, unable to take him to be checked, it was initially hoped his slower development might just be because the family were moving around less in lockdown.

However, when they were finally able to get Harry checked he didn’t meet any of the expected milestones, mum Danuta Downes explained.

With the NHS “so stretched” during lockdown and Harry’s dad undergoing back surgery, attending Watford charity Playskill since September 2021 proved vital for the whole family.

Watford Observer: Harry with his dad Rob DownesHarry with his dad Rob Downes (Image: Danuta Downes)

The mum said: “Playskill has been a lifeline for us giving Harry lots of opportunities to get stronger and learn new skills, supporting Rob and myself through tough appointment after appointment and also offering our daughters a chance to be carefree kids and have fun with other children in similar situations.”

As well as directly supporting Harry, Playskill staff have arranged trips for his three older sisters aged 14, eight, and six and checked in with his mother with extra support while her husband was recovering from surgery.

A friend came up with the idea of raising money after hearing Danuta often say how much she puts Harry's progress down to the charity.

Playskill, which helps pre-school children with physical needs or developmental delay through group play therapy, will receive all donations to the eight-member Harry’s Heroes after the Thames Bridges Trek 2023 on September 9.

Watford Observer: HarryHarry (Image: Danuta Downes)

Danuta said that she hoped people will get involved and donate to support the "amazing charity".

"It’s really important they can offer this support to not just us but other family’s position in the future," she added. 

So far £518 has been raised from 20 supporters against a £250 goal.

Watford Observer: Harry at PlayskillHarry at Playskill (Image: Danuta Downes)

Donations can be made through the team members' pages at https://www.justgiving.com/team/harrysheros.