Harrison, 20 from Cumbria

Following a serious bowel infection at one week old and weighing only 1lb 8oz, Harrison’s chance of survival was extremely low. Before he was 8 months old he had already endured two brain bleeds, septicaemia, a heart duct operation, tracheostomy and hernia operations. Harrison was discharged from hospital with the expectation that he would go home to die.  But Harrison made a miraculous recovery, despite having undergone 20 operations in his young life. At 3 years-old Harrison joined BBC Children in Need funded project, Sunbeams. Sunbeams deliver music sessions for young people affected by illness or disability, leading to improved communication skills, emotional wellbeing and improved family relationships. Harrison has developed into a natural entertainer and keen musician. His family credit Sunbeams for helping Harrison to become the confident outgoing person he is today.

Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust

This project delivers music sessions for young people affected by illness and disabled young people, along with their families in Cumbria, leading to improved communication skills, emotional wellbeing and family relationships.