Mum of disabled boy calls on Dunstable community to help him have ‘best birthday ever’
The mum of a boy from Dunstable who spent months in hospital is asking the community in the town to help him have an unforgettable birthday.
Harrison Blanchflower was just three years old when he became poorly with slapped cheek syndrome in March 2024.
But moments after getting home from nursery and telling his mum he loved her, the tot suffered a cardiac arrest.
He was taken to Luton and Dunstable Hospital where doctors restarted his heart, then transferred to the Royal Brompton – a specialist centre in London.
Over the next few months, he battled pneumonia, gut failure and suffered a stroke, with his parents, Kyle and Alex, told that due to his brain damage, Harrison would not be able to talk or walk.
Harrison, now five, was treated at a neurorehabilitation centre and thousands of pounds were raised by the community to adapt the family’s home so he could move back in.
His mum, Alexandra, said: “He’s been home for over a year now. He’s a really happy boy. He loves school. He is doing really well.”
But given Harrison’s medical needs, he doesn't get to have the same social experiences as other children his age.
Alex explained: “Harrison doesn’t have any friends, bless him. He can’t really socialise because of his condition.
“He can’t go to school parties. He doesn’t have anyone to invite to any birthday parties.”
“I just thought it’d be so nice for Harrison to be able to experience that type of love from other people that he doesn’t really get. I want him to have the best birthday ever.”
So the family is calling on people to make his 6th birthday, on September 3, extra special.
Alex, 28, shared a post online inviting the community to visit Drovers Way between 5pm and 7pm to wave, play songs, blow bubbles, bring vehicles, or simply say happy birthday as Harrison watches from outside his home.
The idea has already received a huge response, including people offering fire engines, motorbikes, cool cars and even a Zumba group.
She said: “We’ve had such an outpouring of love, and it’s just been amazing.
“It’s about making new core memories for Harrison. I think that he’ll remember as he grows up and he goes on.
“I want to be able to continue to make core memories for Harrison to have forever.”