Harry's Lunch Raises £2,666 for the Youth Sports Trust

Wendi, Gill and Judi presented a cheque for £2,666 to Guin Batten of the Youths Sports Trust at the Leander Club in Henley last Wednesday 22nd October. Guin gained a silver medal in the Women's Fours rowing at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.

Guinn went on to say "Thanks for all your hard work in raising the money on behalf of Harry, it will go towards innovating support for other talented young people in sport. I plan to run the Harry Mills – Team maker award at the Talent Camp on the 11th January 2009 in Loughborough"

You can read more about Harry's Lunch click here

Thank you to everyone.

Serena is Running the New York Marathon 2nd November 2008 for Harry & Meningitis Research Foundation

Serena did it - click here for results. Well done.

Serena Spencer Jones is running the New York Half Marathon to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of Harry and her god daughter who survived after contracting Meningitis.

Serena says...

"I wanted to say how hard I've been training, clocking up miles & miles, morning, noon, and night (in my Hi-Vis gillet & flashing armband) and the weather has over the last year tried to blow me over, soak me & toast me but it's ALL been worthwhile.

I'm now in the 'tapering off' part - I run less & less till we fly to New York next Wednesday (crikey the nerves set in when I write this) then on arrival after registering I only have 3 titchy light runs. The idea is I'll be honed & ready like a coiled spring to take on the monster 26.2 miles and just power through it!

Well if thats a good enough game plan for Paula Radcliff it's good enough for me!

So all you wonderful kind people please please click onto my Just Giving web page and sponsor me to do this for Harry & the Meningitis Research Foundation.

www.justgiving.com/spencer-jones

Thankyou everso much with lots of love
Serena xxxx"

Read Serena's story in the Bucks Free Press

Marlow U11's Tunnel of Honour at Wasps V Castres

The Marlow U11's sporting Harry's socks formed the Tunnel of Honour at the opening Heineken Cup game Wasps V Castres at Adams Park on 12th October.

The Marlow U11s included 42 boys with the Wasps Community team, followed by nearly 100 players and parents.

Stuart Wilson Head Coach says "We had our picture with the Guinness Premiership trophy and also formed the tunnel of honour as the players came on to the pitch. All our players were wearing Harry’s socks and the stadium announcer gave a very nice introduction about Harry, the socks and the terrific amount of money raised".

Another proud day for Harry's memory.

Harry's Socks Cheque Presentation at Newbury Rugby Club

Harry's Socks raised £1600 for the Meningitis Research Foundation and what a journey it has been!

A donation of £400 from Mark Foster from Newbury Rugby Club was invested in replica socks of those that Harry wore during his playing days at Marlow Rugby Club. The distinctive hooped socks were remembered by Marlow coach and referee Graeme Kempson during many an hour on the rugby pitch. He conceived the idea of the socks as a way to remember Harry and raise further funds. You can read about the original presentation of the socks here.

It is eight months since the socks presentation and during this time they have become a truly international event. Worn by Marlow teams from mini to youth to the 1st XV in memory of Harry and by brother George and the John Hampden Grammar School team on their world wide tour. The socks visited Hong Kong, Australia, Fiji, Canada, USA and were worn during a spectacular winning game against New Zealand. Phil Vickery England Rugby Captain will wear the during a Barbarians game. Many Friends locally and from around the world have also bought Harry's Socks.

The presentation of the cheque was kindly hosted by Mark Foster at Newbury Rugby Club. Mark laid on a terrific day including lunch before the under 11's played a curtain raiser in Harry's socks which they won 10 - 0. Very exciting for them because they played on the 1st team pitch watched by the 1st team. We the watched the 1st division game between Newbury and Esher - Newbury wearing Harry's socks.

In the photograph of the Presentation from left - John Watson, Graeme Kempson , Mark Foster, Richard, Judi and Newbury mascot.

Newbury laid on a terrific meal and David Smith - the President of Newbury RFC remembered Harry in his pre match speech.

Instrumental in the organisation are John Watson, (Marlow Coach), Michele Tedeschi and Reg Murrell. Michele I think sums the day up when he said:

"I felt very proud to have known Harry, to be associated with the Foundation and to be part of Marlow RFC. The idea of Harry's socks was so fantastic and the rewards so incredible that I can't believe it myself. I thought that Mark Foster and all at Newbury RFC did us proud on Saturday: their hospitality and friendship was heart-warming and just shows what can be done. Newbury RFC have gone to the top of the tree as far as I am concerned.

Let us keep this wonderful thing going and even Harry would be proud of us"

Marie Jenny and Louise "Fall4Harry"

Yes - the parachute jump finally took place on a hot sunny day 21st September 2008. Around 30 well wishers were at the event and the the three girls all landed within 20 yards of the target - Marie on it!

Marie & Jenny (Harry’s sisters) and friend Louise Coleborn jumped 3,500ft for Harry. Marie says: “To mark the anniversary of Harry’s death I wanted to do something in memory of him and to honour the life he once had, and of course to raise money to help find a cure, to stop other families having to deal with the loss, pain and confusion that we have suffered. Myself, my sister Jenny and a my friend Louise Coleborn will be jumping out of a plane from 3,000 feet, with only ourselves and a cord to pull our parachute - otherwise known as a static line jump. We originally planned to jump on the 27th April after a full days worth of training on the 26th up at Booker (nr. High Wycombe) airfield. Due to bad weather the jump was cancelled.

Marie goes on to say "it was terrifying at first but once the parachute opened and we floated down it was really peaceful and able to reflect on why we were doing it"

The girls have raised £3000 for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Pictures of the jump can be viewed here - Jump Pictures

Videos of the landing below Marie top Jenny and Louise bootom.

Harry's Lunch a Great Success

To view pictures of the event click here - Harry's Lunch Pictures

Harry Mills was a dedicated sportsman and as pictured Wendi Parcell (centre) and Gill May (left) with Judi Mills (right) have remembered him by raising funds at Harry's Lunch for The Youth Sport Trust which supports the development of all young people through sport. Harry's Lunch was held at St. Katherine's, Parmoor, Frieth on 23rd September 2008.

Harry’s Lunch was a great success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Guests (120) arrived for a Pimms & canapes reception in the entrance hall, entertained by Jenny Hayes on piano. Guests then moved through to the anteroom where there was a display of Harry's medals & trophies & photos. There was also a display of some of the sporting events/trophies & awards that have happened over the last few months since his death. e.g. the Outstanding Sportsman (from Marlow Town Council), The 'Harry Mills' scull (Marlow rowing club), Marlow Merlins & RUFC Cups & Awards and The Youth Sport Trust 'Harry Mills Team Maker Award'.

Among the guests was Alan Black of the RFU and ex Wasps player - Blackie and the RFU have been very supportive, donating a Box at Twickenham and holding fund raising events - the Talking Rugby Dinners at Bisham Abbey (next one on the 28th November 2008).

Following a welcome speech by Wendi Parcell, a delicious lunch was served by St Katharine's staff. Judi then gave a speech & explained about Harry's Garden - Katie Watkins & Sam Tippett distributed the sunflower seeds (donated by Unwins & Suttons) and 'Harry Mills Mixture' sweet peas (created & donated by Roger Parsons Nurseries) or 'Our Harry' sweet peas (Eagle Nurseries).

The toast was – “to Harry”, a very special boy, and to all our very special friends' . Guin Batten (Youth Sport Trust) explained the work done by the YST including special, innovative projects with gifted & talented youngsters (mainly 14 - 18yr olds) at the start of their sporting careers. She said that they worked with youngsters on their whole motivation - mental preparation, goal setting, practical issues (e.g. how to train whilst still 'being a teenager') as well as skills & fitness training. She updated us on Mikey Wilson, winner of the Harry Mills Team Maker Award, - he recently represented England in Canada in the u14 canoe slalom team.

Gill May then asked Vince Mackenzie (ex head of Spinfield School) to draw the raffle - over 25 local businesses had very generously donated prizes ranging from gym membership at Bisham Abbey, Gift Basket from La Cotonniere, Cufflinks from Gatsby, tennis coaching from Justin Cook, Beauty vouchers from Sunrise salon, Flowers from Pollenation and Richard's giant jars of exclusive 'Windy Mills Pickled Onions & Pickled Beetroot'.

Other help came from Rebellion Brewery (donated beer), Waitrose (wine) and the Mums of Leighton Park School who donated the Pimms & wine served during the meal.

The Lunch raised £2500.

Many thanks to all our guests for your wonderful support.

Below - Wendi remembers Harry..

Meningitis Trust Remembers Harry

Harry is remembered in the Meningitis Trust Remembrance Book. Nearly £3000 has been raised for the Trust.

Harry Mills Wins Gold

The scull named after Harry by Marlow Rowing Club has won Gold at at the Home International Rowing in Cardiff (for Wales). Well done to the winners from the Mills family. You can read about the naming of the scull at Events for Harry in 2007.

We can also report that Marlow Rowing Club had a crew reach the final of Henley Regatta and then went on to pick 3 gold and a silver medal at the National Champions.

John Hampden World Rugby Tour Wear Harrys Socks

George, Harry's brother embarked in July on a World Rugby Tour with John Hampden Grammar School. A fantastic tour where they visited and played rugby in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, USA and Canada.

The match in New Zealand was dedicated to Harry - the team wore Harry's socks and won the game 10 - 6. George is pictured on the back row fourth from right.

The website is well worth a visit and the video regarding the New Zealand game can be found at JHGS Tour.

Graham Glynn at Sanofi-Aventis Raises £700 for Harry

Graham Glynn at Sanofi-Aventis in Guildford organised a dress down day in memory of and have rasied £700.

Rachel Goodwin wins the Harry Mills Cross Country Cup donated by Bucks, Berks & Oxon Cross Country League – April 2008

The 3 counties cross country league wanted to sponsor a Harry Mills Memorial Cup in recognition of Harry’s achievements in this sport. The cup was to be awarded to a runner who showed determination & commitment as well as athletic ability. Rachel Goodwin, aged 10 years, has regularly competed in cross country events, representing Spinfield School in Marlow, and has displayed a consistent winning streak. Once, she even arrived late when the rest of the field had a 400 yard head start and still won! Harry would have appreciated that story – he once was out in front during a race, wasn’t sure which way to go, so stopped, waited for the rest to catch up to find out, then ran off again….finishing in 1st place!

Jack Joseph wins the Harry Mills Fair Play Trophy

Congratulations to Jack Joseph who won the Harry Mills Fair Play Trophy at Spinfield School in July 2008. This is an award made each year in memory of Harry who was pupil at Spinfield.

Zoe Overall Keeps Her Promise for Harry

Zoe Overall and freinds from Cookham have raised more than £400 for Meningitis Research on a sponsored horse ride. Zoe made a promise to Richard Harry's Dad to organise the ride and has done just that. They had planned to ride in Windsor Great Park but were told the night before it had to be cancelled due to water logging. Undeterred Mum and Dad re-arranged the ride around Knowl Hill following (on foot) to ensure the safety of the riders.

BUPA 10km Run Hyde Park 20th July 2008 Run 4 Harry

Jenny (Harry’s sister), Nick Williams, Jessica Denton, Abbie Smith, Ben Inglis, Vicky Tippell, Mike Greene, Dominic Meadows, Vinh Trung Tieu & friend, and Kieran Prince competed in the Bupa 10km race at Hyde Park to raise funds for Meningitis. All finished the race, some despite never having run such a distance, and times ranged from 45 minutes to 1 hour 30minutes.

Sharon Fox runs the Wycombe Half Marathon for Harry – July 2008

On Sunday 20th July, Sharon Fox, one of the team of John Hampden Grammar School cleaners, ran the Wycombe Half Marathon to raise funds for Meningitis Research. She said she was determined to do it for Harry and was delighted with her time of 2hrs 20mins. Her support was particularly poignant as she herself lost her 13 year old son, Daniel, in an accident in 2006

See Sharon in the Bucks Free Press