On your bike Harry!
A thoughtful little boy with autism has raised almost €20,000 for three very special organisations that are close to his heart.
Harry O’Hanlon from Kinsale is six years old and was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.
Having just completed three years of early intervention, Harry now wants to give something back to those who have helped him on his journey before he starts school in Kinsale this September.
With the help of his dad Ricky, a GoFundMe page was set up to raise funds for autism support organisations Shine, Sonas and the Rainbow Club Centre for Autism, all three of which have played a crucial role in Harry’s development over the last three years.
To achieve his goal of €20,000, Harry has committed to cycling an exhausting 100 kilometres in 33 days along a variety of routes in Cork city and county.
His challenge began on 7 July and so far he has already raised just over €18,000 and looks set to smash his original target with ease.
Harry’s dad Ricky said: “These support services have significantly helped in developing Harry into the young boy he has become and we are massively indebted to them all for the fantastic work they’ve done with Harry and continue to do for so many children.”
According to Ricky, the lack of traffic during the Covid-19 lockdown allowed Harry to get used to cycling on the roads.
“The support for Harry in particular over the past week across Kinsale, Carrigaline and Crosshaven has been incredible and we are thrilled by how receptive and supportive people across the community have been to the campaign,” said Ricky.
On Sunday, Harry’s dreams came through when he was given a VIP tour of Kinsale Fire Station where he got some hands on fire truck experience.
“To say he was in his element was an understatement. He got to do all the things he has dreamed of doing, wearing the fire hat, sitting in the truck, turning on the siren and using the hose. It was fantastic,” said Ricky.
Harry will now push on over the coming weeks to reach his 100 kilometre goal, cycling roughly 3km a day.
To support Harry, visit his GoFundMe page, Help for Harry’s Heroes at https://ie.gofundme.com/f/help-for-harrys-heroes.