Monroe Boston completed a 1000-metre sponsored swim at Garons Leisure Centre to raise money for Little Havens, Essex’s only children’s hospice. Her swim was in tribute to her stepbrother Henry, who sadly died in January 2025 at just six years old, following a diagnosis of a brain tumour.

Henry and his family were supported by Little Havens in the last few months of his life, receiving specialist care and support. Now the family are turning their hand to fundraising to thank Little Havens for the care and support they received completely free of charge.

Monroe said, “It was Henry’s birthday on March 25th, and I wanted to give a gift to remember him. Swimming was one of our favourite things to do together, so I decided to swim as far as I could – with the aim of reaching 1000m. We stayed at Little Havens, who cared for him and my family, so I wanted to give something back. Me and Henry had a really special bond, and I miss him lots. I’m really grateful to Little Havens for looking after him so well.”

Cameron and Lauren Hall, Henry’s Dad and Stepmum, added, “When you hear the word ‘hospice’ it’s not somewhere you want to be. But on our first visit to Little Havens, we realised everything we thought was wrong. It was like a home from home. His extended family could all come to visit him, his siblings had space to play, and they took care of all of us – they even made sure we always ate. And all of this was provided for free.”

Ella Huber-Brown, Deputy Head of Fundraising at Havens Hospices, said, “The wonderful support from our community in memory of Henry has been phenomenal. We are incredibly amazed by Monroe’s kindness and dedication to fundraising, we are honoured she wanted to support us in memory of her brother. Her fundraising will make a real difference to Little Havens, helping us continue to provide our specialist care to more children just like Henry who need us.”

Little Havens provides specialist care for babies, children and young people living with complex or incurable conditions in Essex. The hospice also provides wellbeing and bereavement support available to everyone in the family, making sure the right support is there for families, where and when they need it. This care is provided absolutely free of charge, thanks to the support from local people who donate and fundraise like Monroe.

You can support Monroe’s challenge in memory of Henry by donating to her JustGiving page here https://www.justgiving.com/page/lauren-hall-2

Published on 9th April 2025