AN AUTISIC Solihull boy who created a memorial garden in Olton for those who have died during the pandemic has appeared in a charity Christmas video.
Harvey Eustace alongside his mum, Steph Freeman, and his older brother, Eli Eustace, are seen singing in the 12 Days of Christmas video as part of a national Christmas campaign for WellChild.
The family receive support from the WellChild Family Tree peer to peer support network where families with children with complex needs connect with each other to offer support and advice.
Harvey has Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder and ADHD while Eli has Autism, Tourette’s and OCD.
The video was made up of supporters and beneficiaries of WellChild’s work across the UK singing together to show their support for the charity.
The finished video of WellChild families and staff singing the festive song was shown on the big screen at the concert as well as across social media.
Earlier this year Harvey was handed the Special Recognition category of the 2021 WellChild Awards by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex.
The award was for the work and effort he put into making idea of a garden into reality.
During the first national lockdown the 12-year-old was inspired by his mum to do something nice for the community to help people, particularly those who had lost someone whether it be family, a friend or neighbour.
Stephanie contacted her councillor at the time Ade Adeyemo about bringing the idea to life.
With a little bit of help from Love Solihull he held a fundraising event at Olton Jubilee Park where he raised £1,000 to help his drawings come to life.
Now Harvey’s design for the garden is becoming a reality with a circular plot with a cherry blossom tree at the centre and four flower beds, two will have a rainbow design and two will have wildflowers.
There will be two benches marked with the iconic yellow heart surrounded by imprints of the communities handprints.
WellChild chief executive Colin Dyer said: “We would like to thank Steph, Harvey and Eli for being such great sports and taking part in our 12 Days of Christmas song for WellChild.
“It is a fantastic way of introducing some of the families that WellChild supports across the UK and some of the work we do for seriously ill children and their families.”
