Children’s bereavement charity Harry’s Rainbow is once again inviting organisations, individuals and businesses to make a colourful impression during Children’s Grief Awareness Week, coming up later this year.
The Milton Keynes charity is inviting the people of the city to hold rainbow-themed events or fundraising initiatives to mark the week, which this year runs from November 16 to 22.
Law firm Irwin Mitchell is supporting Harry’s Rainbow with sponsorship again this year to help raise money and awareness in aid of children of all ages who have lost a loved one. The week is an important one for Harry’s Rainbow, which offers groups, trips, events, holidays and mental health support to children who’ve lost a parent or sibling.
Alison Johnson, Fundraising and Events Manager, said: “For the past few years we have encouraged people to come up with the most colourful way possible to mark the week and share their venture on social media.
“We describe it as creating a rainbow over Milton Keynes and it doesn’t matter whether it’s a fundraising bake sale or dressing up in the brightest outfit you can, if it raises awareness for the work that is being done to support children who have lost someone close to them, that’s all that matters.”
Plans for a Rainbow Walk of Hope are being currently discussed and more details will be available nearer the time, but whatever they choose to do to mark the event, the important thing is that people showcase their efforts on social media and add a splash of colour to Milton Keynes.
It’s a particularly special year for Harry’s Rainbow as the charity is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026. It costs approximately £650 a year for Harry’s Rainbow to support just one child and the charity has helped more than 1,000 children since it began.
People are invited to use the hashtags #harrysrainbow, #griefmatters, #childrensgriefawarenessweek, #cgaw26 and #bereavedchildren when they post their rainbow pictures.
Alison added: “We are incredibly grateful to Irwin Mitchell for their support once again, and to all the people and organisations that come forward to mark the occasion and help us to continue with the work we do.
“Awareness of the issue is so important, and Children’s Grief Awareness Week gives us the opportunity to get the message across that we are here for children of all ages and at any stage of their grieving process.
“Most people have dealt with grief in some form at some stage of their lives and know how hard it can be. When it’s a child that is coming to terms with the death of a sibling or parent, it’s hard to imagine what that must be like. Grief comes to us all at different times and in different ways and families can register a child with Harry’s Rainbow at any point, whether it’s after a recent bereavement or years down the line, if they think they would benefit from the support Harry’s Rainbow offers.”
The charity is also planning The Golden Ticket Ball at the Leonardo Hotel, Milton Keynes, on October 3, a glittering occasion to mark 15 years since the charity was founded. Guests will experience all the delights of Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory including a Fizzy Lifting Drinks Reception, followed by a Gobstopper Gourmet three-course meal, a Wonkalicious live band and an everlasting chocolate fountain.
Details of how to get tickets for The Golden Ticket Ball can be found on the Harry’s Rainbow website, along with a fundraising pack for those looking for inspiration and ideas to support the charity.
For more information, visit the Harry’s Rainbow website.
