MORE than £600 was raised for the 2Wish charity, which supports those affected by the death of a child or young person, when teenager Henry Nowak was remembered at well-supported community event on Saturday (27 June). The money takes the total raised in Henry's name to almost £100,000.

Guest writer Sylvia Rodrigues, one of the event organisers, looks back on a remarkable day in Chafford Hundred.

THE sun shone brightly in Chafford Hundred on Saturday as the local community, just shy of 200 people, came together sporting red, to represent the colours of Henry's beloved football team Arsenal, to remember local lad Henry Nowak and show their support to his family and friends by taking part in a 5k run.

People who knew Henry from different areas of his life and many who did not, braved the scorching temperatures to run, jog, walk or do a combination of both to honour the popular youngster and raise vital funds for 2wish, the bereavement charity that has been supporting Henry's close family as they continue to come to terms with the loss of a much-loved family member.

The 5K run was the brainchild of Mary McLoughlin from the Chafford Hundred Running Group & parishioner of St Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church in Grays who worked closely with fellow parishioner & friend, Sylvia Merrigan to organise the run. The pair worked alongside Kelly Hatchard, Henry's Godmother & family friend to promote the event locally and on social media.

The Chafford Hundred Running Group decided to tie white ribbons along the route of the run in lieu of their Wednesday evening run this week, whilst the Harris Academy Chafford Hundred retained the red ribbons that were on display outside the school to honour Henry as his funeral cortège went past it earlier this year with scores of the local community, young & old lining the streets to pay their respects.

Additionally, Mary ordered running numbers that indicated, "running in memory of Henry Nowak" whilst a member of the running club, Kerry Wright, put together white ribbons, signifying peace, for all participants to wear.

Water and cereal bars were donated by Morrisons

Morrisons in Grays, where Henry and his older sister Olivia were employees, generously provided bottled water and cereal bars for participants to enjoy after the race, Reverend Kate Carter opened up All Saints Church for the event enabling participants & helpers to use the facilities and have some refreshments & members of the local Sikh community also donated & served bananas, onion bhajis & bottled water for all attendees.

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Staff from Henry's former primary school, St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, the Harris Academy Chafford Hundred, local councillors and so many from the Chafford Hundred community did Henry and his family proud by turning up and encouraging one another as they reached the finish line.

There was a warm welcome from Rev Kate Carter and supporters at All Saints.

There was a great atmosphere and a real sense of community as everyone came together as one for Henry and his loved ones. Thurrock MP, Jen Craft described the turnout as, "Chafford and Thurrock at our best". The day replicated the sense of unity expressed earlier in the week when henry's mum, Lucy Ross, visited Grays Sikh Gudwara temple.

Just before the run commenced, Lucy thanked the organisers Mary and Sylvia for putting together the event as well as everyone for coming along to support it. Lucy and a group of family a friends took part in the run too.

Those that could not attend commented on how Henry's passing has affected them and how they were delighted to play a practical part in the run.

Henry's former manager, Angela Snelling, Operations Manager stated: ""Henry was a friendly and popular member of our team here at Morrisons Grays.

"His passing has deeply impacted us and we continue to miss him. It is our honour to provide the refreshments for the charity run. 2Wish have been a great support to Henry's family during this tragic time and we are proud to show 2Wish the same support".

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Mary has proposed, with the agreement of Lucy, that the 5k run is a yearly event to remember Henry.

At the time of writing this article, £98.5K has been raised for 2wish in Henry's name. As Lucy movingly said at the start of the race, the event illustrated how important Henry was and will be. In the weeks leading up to the event, many donations were made to 2wish as well as on the day via online payments and £605 was collected in cash.

Commenting afterwards on the event, Lucy stated: "I always knew there was a special warmth within the Chafford Hundred community, but today truly showed the strength and kindness of that community when it is needed most. Since my tragedy, I have felt so much love, support, and so many prayers from everyone around us. It has helped carry me and my family through our darkest days, and we will always cherish the kindness that has been shown to us".

The next event in honour of Henry will be a celebrity football match at Aveley football club on Saturday, 11^th July.

As the advert on 2wish's website appears:

"This isn't just a football match.

It's a community coming together.

It's a celebration of Henry's life.

And it's a chance to make sure his legacy continues to help others.

Join us. Fill the stadium. Stand with Henry's family.