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Events in Memory of Harry
The following are a number
of events and activities that have taken or are taking place in Harry's name. A
number of upcoming events are also highlighted on the home page.
Click on the pictures to
view a full size version.
11th May 2008 - The Marlow 5 : Renaissance Hair Salon run for Harry
Jessica Denton (aged 20 & a family friend) has persuaded her fellow
stylists at Renaissance Hair Salon in West Street, Marlow to join
her in running the Marlow 5 for Harry - that's 5 miles and not 5km
as Jess originally thought.
The team consists of: Len (the Manager), Chris, Jag, Dev, Georgia
and Jessica.
Training has already started and the team are confident of success,
even though none have them have attempted this type of long distance
running before. They have already collected over a £1000 in
sponsorship and are looking to build on this - if you would like to
sponsor Jess & the Renaissance Team, please visit the salon in
Marlow or
click here.
Parachute
Jump has been been postponed due to the weather - It will re
rescheduled - Marie & Jenny (Harry’s sisters) and friend Louise Coleborn will jump 3,000 ft for Harry.
Marie says: “To mark the anniversary of Harry’s death I wanted to do
something in memory of him and to honour the life he once had, and
of course to raise money to help find a cure, to stop other families
having to deal with the loss, pain and confusion that we have
suffered. Myself, my sister Jenny and a my friend Louise Coleborn
will be jumping out of a plane from 3,000 feet, with only ourselves
and a cord to pull our parachute - otherwise known as a static line
jump. We originally planned to jump on the 27th April after a full days worth
of training on the 26th up at Booker (nr. High Wycombe) airfield.
Due to the weather this has now had to be rescheduled. As soon as I
know the new date I will update this page. I know
that many of you will want to give something to mark his first
anniversary, so please donate towards this. We were hoping to raise at least a £1,000
and have already raised more than this - but please don't stop! I know
that myself and my family are amazed at the amount of support that
people have given, so please feel free to donate, leave a comment
and come down and watch us jump for my very much loved and missed
little brother”.
Venue & Map
Drop Zone: Moor Court Farm, Weston Road, Lewknor, Oxfordshire, OX49
5RU
http://www.londonparachuteschool.com/contact.html. Be aware that
SatNav may not work in this area.
Directions
Junction 6 off M40 (signed Thame) - follow signs to Lewknor, go into
village and take left (signed Weston Rd) just before The Leathern
Bottel Pub. Take left off this road after approx 1km (signed 'London
Parachute School') just past pink house and follow track past a
green barn and thru' a couple of fields to the drop zone.
Confirmation of Jump
The Parachute Jump is weather dependent and will be confirmed the
day prior to jumping. For confirmation of the jump
please go to
http://www.justgiving.com/jumpforharry.
Refreshments
There will be a van selling drinks/light refreshments.
To sponsor the skydivers click here –
http://www.justgiving.com/jumpforharry
26th April 2008 - Holy Trinity
Harriers and John Hampden Charity Match
On Saturday 26th April, Holy Trinity Harriers and John Hampden’s
Year 8 football team played a football match in memory of
Harry to raise money for the Meningitis Research
Foundation.
Elli Goss Holy Trinity Harriers Coach said “Harry was an amazing
sportsman, a great friend and a highly valued member of both of the
above football teams so it seems fitting to play a match in his
honour”
Each boy taking part in the match was invited to make a £5.00
donation to the Meningitis Research Foundation. Other donations from parents/spectators
were also received on the
day. After the match there was a BBQ and the bar was open in
the clubhouse. A total of over £1,000 was raised on the day.
Holy Trinity Harriers web site -
Click here
John Hampden Grammar School web site -
Click here
30th March 2008 - Marlow Mini Rugby
Tournament 2008:
The Harry Mills Memorial Cup
The 36th Annual Mini Rugby Tournament, the largest in the South
of England, took place at Marlow RFC on Sunday 30th March. It was at
this time last year that Harry played in his last
Marlow tournament representing the u12s. It was a beautiful sunny
day and over 2000 players from u7s to u12s and from 15 different
clubs attended playing in leagues of 6 in both A and B competitions.
The organisation was superb, the atmosphere wonderful, and some
excellent rugby was played in a great spirit of friendly rivalry.
Upon completion of the under 12s finals, guest of honour Phil
Vickery, London Wasps star and England Captain, presented the
winners, London Irish, with the Harry Mills Memorial Cup. It was a
particularly poignant moment for one London Irish player as he
himself had had meningitis as a 14 month old toddler. The cup was
donated by Marlow Rugby Club as a tribute to Harry and will be
played for every year. Richard then presented Phil Vickery
with a pair of Harry’s socks which Phil promised to wear the next
time he plays in a Barbarians team!
Special thanks to Mike Simmonds of Marlow RFC for his involvement in
organising the Cup and Phil Vickery as special guest. Thanks too to
Rosie & Sophie who collected £191.63 on the day for Meningitis
Research and to all the Marlow Minis, players, parents & coaches.
To see how the London Wasps web site describes the day
Click here.
For the Maidenhead Advertiser article
Click here.
To see the day's programme signed by Phil Vickery
Click here.
 
Emma Shepherdson raises over £1,000
for Harry
Emma, mother to David, a friend of Harry’s from Spinfield School, is
on a sponsored slim and has impressively succeeded in losing 3 stone
for Harry and so far raising £1,075. This was a determined effort
and Emma says “It's taken a long time, but I'm pleased I've finally
reached my target and can start collecting for the Meningitis
charity. It means a lot to me to do this in memory of Harry, who I
will always remember for his adorable smile and endless enthusiasm
which was infectious to everyone around him.
I know that David will always treasure all the memories of his best
friend. He still speaks of him every day.
If you would like to support Emma, please email her at
simon.shep@tiscali.co.uk
Wasps
CoacHclass for Marlow Merlins, Triangular Fixture and Promotional
Day
On Sunday 9th March, Drifters, Marlow and Wasps competed in a
CoacHclass run by Wasps at the Royal Grammar School in memory of
Harry. Afterwards all of the boys went to watch Wasps play
Harlequins at Adams Park. A presentation of the cup was made to the
winning team at the Wasps Harlequin game.
Visit the Wasps website for more information -
click here
Marlow Rowing Club Quiz Night raises £750
Marlow rowing club held a quiz night in aid of The Harry
Mills Charity on the 9th February. For more information
click here.
Rugby Socks Presentation –
Merlins win 32 – 0
On Sunday 3rd February the Marlow
Merlins pulled on their new Black and White hooped socks for the
first time to play in the Bucks Plate semi-final against Aylesbury.
The socks proved lucky and the team played one of their best matches
of the season, going on to win 32-0. For more information
click here.
RFU Talking Dinner raises £750
Alan Black (Blackie) of the RFU organised a ‘Talking Rugby’ Dinner
in the Great Hall at Bisham Abbey on Friday 1st February with
proceeds going to Harry’s charities. For more information
click here.
Dame Kelly Holmes Presents
Harry’s Award
The Youth Sport Trust presented the Harry Mills
Team Maker Award on 8th January
at The National Talent Orientation Camp 2008 at Loughborough
University. Pictured is Judi with Mikey Wilson the winner, Sports
Minister Gerry
Sutcliffe and double Olympic champion Dame
Kelly Holmes.
Michael “Mikey” Wilson won the award for Canoeing having been
nominated by all Team Manager’s.
Mikey’s achievement was summarised as follows by the Youth Sport
Trust. "This young athlete has outstanding leadership qualities which come
from his
constant unfaltering energy. He leads by example and has a unique
personality
which allows others to come out of their shells and develop their
self
confidence. He is striving for team success in a totally selfless
way, with
outstanding courage and has been a complete asset and ambassador for
this
camp”
The programme for the awards can be
viewed by clicking here
For more information about Harry’s Team Maker Award
click here
Further information can be found at the Youth Sport Trust web site
-
click here
Art Exhibition raises over £1000 for Harry
Local artists Julie Wetenhall & Sue Fawthrop were delighted to hand
over a cheque for £1,096 to Judi Mills for The Meningitis Research
Foundation, the result of a weekend Art Exhibition held in November.
The Exhibition, which was held on 23rd – 25th November featured a
wonderful array of paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, sculpture
and knitwear by a number of local artists including:
- Julie Wetenhall, Sue Fawthrop,
Jane Pyke,
Tim Robinson (paintings)
- Sylvia Lotz (jewellery)
- Caroline Selvey (glass &
ceramics)
- Steve Woodbridge (sculpture)
- Sue Livesey (creative knitwear)
The event was held at Julie
Wetenhall’s Lane End home and was well supported by people
looking for something special or unique to give as Christmas
presents.
Jonny Bruce climbs Ben Nevis for Harry.
Jonny, a rugby mate of Harry’s scaled Ben Nevis and raised £335.
For more information
click here. Tree for
Harry
Spinfield School, Harry’s Primary School, plant a tree in memory of
Harry.
"Team Harry" raise over £10,000 for
Harry
Team Harry organised by Colin Edwards have raised over £10,000
(twice the target of £5,000) for Harry at sporting events.
Rowers Revenge
Marlow Rowing named a scull in memory of Harry and 30 Team Harry
participants raised money in completing the arduous rowing running
and cycling courses. Jane Fruen took the prize of a bike in her age
group and kindly donated it for fund-raising at Harry’s Bash.
Marlow Half Marathon
Team Harry again raised funds on the Marlow half marathon, an
arduous course but run on a beautiful autumn day.
Harry’s Bash Raises £4000
Harry’s Bash, organised by Marlow coach John Hollingsworth with food
provided by Donato and Michele, was a night to remember. Music
featured the band Funky Custard with Harry’s mates Charlie, Ross and
Tim. They performed a song written by John called “Happy Harry”.
Harry’s mate Guy Lambert performed “I’ll See You in my dreams” with
his Ukulele. John Hollingsworth band hit the notes as everyone
danced the night away fuelled by an excellent hog roast. Marcus
Lambert produced an excellent video of the evening. If anyone would
like a copy please email Richard.
Marlow Merlins Rugby Festival
Marlow Merlins Rugby Festival was played on a sunny day in October
with teams from Marlow, Maidenhead Amersham and Chiltern. Played in
great sporting spirit the winners Newbury were presented with a
trophy to commemorate the occasion. To review the programme,
click here.
Staff
at John Hampden do the Nottingham
Marathon for Harry
As part of the ongoing fundraising efforts for the Meningitis
Research Foundation three members of John Hampden Grammar School
staff ran in the Nottingham Marathon on September 16th. Mr Ludwigsen
and Mr Wright ran the full marathon and Miss Storey the half. So far
£700 has been raised.
“On a sunny and windy day in Nottingham all three of us managed to
completed our respective races. Mr Ludwigsen finished in 3 hours 56
mins; the first time under 4 hours at this distance. Miss Storey
finished her first half in under 2 hours (1 hour 56 mins) and Mr
Wright finished in 3 hours 48 mins; another personal best. Thank you
for all your support”
Team Harry Successfully run the "Down Tow Up Flow" Challenge
Finishing the run in good time Colin Edwards comments – “Yes,
all went well on Sunday, albeit I think there were 4 people
tentatively walking around Marlow & Maidenhead after the run”. The
challenge was completed by Colin
Edwards, Steve Coleman, Richard
Minnett and Nikki
Bolsover. Colin thanks all those who sponsored the event - “it
definitely helped us get around”.
 Tom
Murrell and his Family Beat the Floods on a Bike Ride for Harry
Tom, a Marlow rugby player and friend of Harry’s, raised the sum of
£2,200 (so far) for the Meningitis Research Foundation.
Read all about his epic adventure by
clicking here. Lex
Have a Jeans Day for Harry
Lex Vehicle Leasing raise £800 (so far) for Harry with a Jeans day.
Many thanks to Lex, Joanne Podmore in the Manchester Office and Lucy
Hawkins (friend of Julie Murrell) in the Marlow Office.
Farriers Event Raises £7,500 for
Harry
Lucy and Billy of Handmade Shoes Ltd organise and run the annual
Farriers shoemaking competition. They had over 80 farriers competing
in 3 divisions. They kindly held an auction for Harry and The
Meningitis Research Foundation at the evening Dinner and Dance where
£7,500 was raised.
 
Team Harry - Four Peaks Challenge
raises £1,500 for Harry's fund
“Team Harry” kicked off with the Four
Peaks Challenge on Friday the 13th July. Well done to Nigel Banks,
Stuart Butler, Colm Farrell and David Postlethwaite who completed
the four peaks in 38 hours despite driving rain. They left a stone
on each peak in memory of Harry.
For more details of their Four Peaks Challenge
click here. Marlow
Council Award Harry Sporting Award
Marlow Town Mayor, Richard Scott presented the "Outstanding
Sportsman" award to Harry's parents and family at the mayor's
reception on June 17th. To read the Bucks Free Press article
click here.
Art at the Royal Oak - A Great Success
Jane Cowan & Julie
Wetenhall are ex-Spinfield parents and family friends. Their Art
Exhibition at the Royal Oak, Bovingdon Green, Marlow on Sunday the
15th July was a great success despite the rain. The exhibition
moved into the pub and thanks go to the many friends who visited the
exhibition. A total of £350 was raised.
 Abbey
ran for Harry in the Hyde Park BUPA Great Capital Run.
A
great friend of Jenny, (Harry’s 19 year old sister), Abbey ran in
the 10 Km Race for held on 15th July in Hyde Park. Well done to
Abbey who completed the run in 1 hour 40 minutes and raised £1240 in
memory of Harry. If you would like more details or wish to sponsor
her, please visit her Justgiving webpage by
clicking here.
Mufti day at
John Hampden School raises £1,843.
Pupils and Staff at Harry’s school, John Hampden Grammar,
raised £1,843 for the pleasure of wearing jeans at school. Each
participant donated £2 on the day. Donations will go to the
Meningitis Research Foundation.
Henry Wallace pupil at John
Hampden raises £50 for Harry
Henry Wallace knocked on his neighbours doors to raise funds for
Harry. A lovely thing to do in memory of Harry and thanks to him and
his neighbours.
 Friendship
Bench and Trophy for Harry at Spinfield
Spinfield School
 (Harry’s
Primary) presented a Friendship Bench to the Mills family with a
plaque “Remembering our Friend Harry Mills”. The bench has been
suitably positioned on the
School fields overlooking the
Football pitch and cricket field. The Harry Mills
Fair Play
Trophy was awarded to David Broughton
for his outstanding sportsmanship at
the Spinfield Sports Day on Monday 9th July. Well done David.
Frazer Worboys & Chris Carlisle
broadcast on Marlow FM for Harry.
On Saturday 23 June Frazer and Chris broadcast for an hour on Marlow
FM. Frazer as the host and friend of Harry asked Chris as one of
Harry's oldest friends what had happened to Harry. Chris explained
that Harry had died of Meningitis B and although there were vaccines
for Meningitis A & C, no one has yet been able to find one for B.
Frazer explained that the Mills family were leading fund raising for
a B vaccine and that everyone should try to help. Chris said that
many people were helping and that he ,Frazer and Aaron had raised
money providing sandwiches and cakes plus PS 3 games at Broadsystems,
so Frazer asked how others could help. Chris said that people should
go to www.harrymills.co.uk where they could give to either
Meningitis Research or the Youth Sport Trust in memory of Harry.
Marlow Youth Football Club
Marlow Youth Football Club dedicated their six-a-side tournament to
Harry. Held on 12th-13th May 2007 Harry would have played in the
competition. Richard, Judi & Marie presented the
winners of the boys u12s and girls u12s competitions with their
medals and trophies. The sum of £500 was raised which has been
donated on Harry's web site to the Youth Sports Trust.
 
Five Mile Run
The Marlow Keep Fitters (of which Richard, Harry’s dad, is a
member ) ran for Harry in the 5 mile Marlow race. Testament to the
success of the Keep Fit Club, all finished the race and the total
sum raised was £2,200 for the Meningitis Trust.
Left to Right Marcus Lambert, Dave Neaves, Richard Lambert, Brian
Jackson, Gareth Roblin, Colin Lavis, Tim Gibbs, Eric Armstrong, Neil
Linkleter. Sam Tippet 
Sam Tippet, Harry’s cousin has shaved all his hair off in a sponsored
haircut. The ultimate sacrifice for Sam – the before and after
effect can be seen in the photos. A brave effort from Sam who has
raised at least £650. Liam Rooney
& Jon Massingham (aged 11/12)
Friends of Harry’s from Fantastic Football, Beavers & Cubs and who
are now at Sir William Borlase. Liam & Jon held an 8km sponsored run
on May 7th (May Day Bank Holiday) around Marlow, Bisham & Temple and
raised over £250. Liam also gave us a wonderful hand drawn card of
Thierry Henri. Teddington
Rugby Club
Friends and opponents at many a mini rugby tournament, Teddington
RFC held a collection amongst the players & families which the club
then matched – raising a total of £700.
Marlow U13s Rugby Tour to Normandy
(May Bank Holiday Weekend)
The tour that Harry was due to accompany. The teams won the
tournament beating Stade Francais. At their end of season Awards
Presentation Barbeque, the team captains Henry Taylor & George
Harjette made a speech dedicating their impressive trophy to Harry
and presenting it to the Mills family.
To read the related article in the Bucks Free Press
click here. Heston
Blumenthal
Heston arranged for an autographed photograph from Harry’s football hero, Thierry Henri, and a message for Harry from Arsenal
legend, Lee Dixon. Special Messages
Signed football from Spinfield friends, signed JHGS football shirt
from team mates at John Hampden, signed cricket shirt from Marlow
Park Cricket team mates, CD of photos & book of
messages from u12s Marlow Rugby Team, large photo card from school
mates at John Hampden, simultaneous church service held in Suffolk
on Thursday May 3rd for Don Stocker & family
(Mills family friends) who were unable to attend the funeral, - and
all those wonderful messages from Harry’s friends on the red
balloons, cards, poems, emails & photos.
Charlie Hollingsworth & Ross
Holdsworth (aged 12) 
Charlie and Ross (aged 12) classmates at John Hampden Grammar
School (Charlie has also been a friend of Harry’s since Rugby u7s)
did a sponsored run in June to coincide with Harry’s birthday on
the 22nd. Charlie & Ross ran 10 times around the track at Wycombe
Sports Centre – a total of 4000m – which is a real challenge to
Charlie as he is more of a sprinter than long distance runner!
Charlie’s sister Elisha Hollingsworth (aged 8) did a sponsored walk
of 3 miles (from her house to Harry’s). Charlie, Ross and Elisha
raised a total of £2,671.
Orlando Bloom 
Our thanks to Orlando Bloom who kindly took the time to chat with
Harry’s sisters Marie and Jenny at a local pub where we bumped into
him. Cheered them up!
Abbey Smith
A great friend of Jenny, (Harry’s 19 year old sister), Abbey is in
training for the 10 Km Race for Life to be held on 15th July in Hyde
Park. If you would like more details or wish to sponsor
her, please visit her Justgiving webpage by
clicking here.
Harry’s Memory
Harry’s girlfriend Jess drew this sporty picture in memory of Harry.
Chris Carlisle & Friends
Chris Carlisle, Fraser Worboys & Aaron Mann all RGS boys and friends
of Harry took over the offices of Broadsystems Ltd during the half
term holiday on 29th May. They sold staff croissants, sandwiches,
cakes and fruit and rented out their PS3 to the programmers for a
big office games tournament. In total they raised £150. Well done to
you all.
Emails raise £500
Pri-Med Educational Programmes Ltd raised £500 for Meningitis
Research Foundation by donating £1 for each email address that GP’s
gave them during a recent conference. Thanks to Dr Jim Kennedy for
arranging this and Pri-Med for the donation in Harry's memory.
Minutes Silence
The family would like to thank all the football and rugby teams who
held a minutes silence for Harry prior to games. Many games were
also played in Harry’s memory. We found these very moving. The
Marlow under 17’s Bucks Cup Final was played in memory of Harry. To
read the match report on the Marlow RFC website
click here.
Events and
Photographs
If you have photographs of the above events please forward for
inclusion on the web site. Additional events & activities are being
planned and the website will be updated with details.
Please forward anything for inclusion to Richard, Harry's Dad at:
richardm@flexit-resources.co.uk
Newspaper Coverage
If you’d like newspaper coverage, contacts are listed below:
Bucks Free Press- Ann Marie Canavan – email
amcanavan@london.newsquest.co.uk
Tel: 01494 755084
Maidenhead Advertiser: Richard Catton – email
richardc@maidenads.co.uk
Tel: 01628 678221
Donations and Gift Aid – Ways to Donate
Donations or sponsorship for any of these events can be made through
Harry’s website. Please indicate in the “comments” column on the
donation page the event that you have supported.
Any other donations that are made to events direct can be sent with
a “Gift Aid” form that enables the tax (if you are a UK taxpayer) to
be reclaimed (28 pence in the £). You can download a
standard form by
clicking here.
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