Timeline

The timeline follows our progress with key highlights each year since 2011.

Our plans in 2023 including recruiting more staff to further support the rise in registrations of 56% in 2002 vs 2021 and raising much needed funds to ensure our strategy can be realised.

To discuss any aspect of our timeline, governance, or structure please contact our CEO odette@harrysrainbow.co.uk

2022

The decision to change legal structure to a CIO, in 2021 resulted in Harry’s Rainbow being set up as a new charity. The Harry’s Rainbow Charitable Trust 1149011 officially closed on 15th March 2022 and transferred all remaining funds into Harry’s Rainbow 1194917. We also celebrated our 10th Birthday year with a beneficiary party in July and the Wonderland Ball in October, raising £17,000. With registrations rising rapidly, impetus was on securing our very first office space and increasing groups across the year.

2021

Almost 480 children have been supported over the lifetime of the charity and over 850k has been raised. A recovery grant was received by The Milton Keynes Community Foundation and the board of Trustees voted to change our legal structure to enable growth throughout the next 10 years! We have extended our support service to young adults aged up to 25 years. In September we won an SME GOLD award for Community Business of the Year & our CEO and founder won a SME GOLD award for Lockdown leader.
By the end of 2021 registration figures are expected to rise by 25% and our plans to return to face to face groups and activities will be realised, with the structured Rainbow groups beginning in January 2022.

2020

A range of new services were implemented to support beneficiaries through the pandemic including Therapeutic Mentoring, Buddying and Distanced Activity Support Packs. Rainbow groups were delivered online and wellbeing support was provided to staff and volunteers. A large grant was received from Global’s Make Some Noise as well as charity partners Ingram Micro and Rightmove enabling the recruitment of a dedicated Family Liaison Officer.

2019

The annual registration figure doubled, and fundraising reached 500K. Founder Odette reached the finals in the Women Leaders awards, in the Community Impact – Employed category.

2018

With over 200 children registered to date it was necessary to move Rainbow groups to larger premises. The Dragonfly project to renovate the bereavement suite at Milton Keynes Hospital was completed.
Plexus communications became a charity partner and supported a digital transformation to cloud-based solutions, a website re brand and implementation of a database.

2017

Youth groups were launched to support bereaved teenagers, and volunteer Jean Huggan received a BEM for voluntary services to bereavement. Fundraising reached 250k.

2016

A large grant was received from Global’s Make Some Noise, to support the costs of the Rainbow Retreat short breaks. The first Skydive fundraiser was a success, and a part time fundraiser was recruited. An Anniversary ball took place to celebrate 5 years of supporting bereaved children, where awards were presented to Champions of Harry’s Rainbow.

2015

For the lifetime of the charity, over 100 bereaved children registered to access services and a part time member of staff was recruited to dedicate support to beneficiaries. The Christmas Hamper Appeal was launched and Jessica’s Mile rebranded to Jessica’s Rainbow Run, with over 200 children taking part.

2014

Charity fundraising reached 100k and a new service was launched to provide memory boxes to bereaved children, in collaboration with The Daniel Estick Trust.

2013

Harry’s Rainbow Runners was launched bringing like-minded people together to fundraise and raise awareness. The Rainbow Retreat (8 berth static caravan) was purchased to provide short breaks to families.

2012

Harry’s Rainbow held a running event which fundraised for CBUK, Asthma UK and the Milton Keynes Bereavement Service. Jessica’s Mile was created by Harry’s twin, Jessica to bring the family, friends and community together in Harry’s memory. The charity became registered and launched Rainbow Groups to facilitate contact between bereaved children and their families.

2011

After 18 months of varied experiences Harry’s family recognised a need for more child centred bereavement support in Milton Keynes and launched a website on 29th October (Jessica and Harry’s birthday) to signpost and provide pastoral advice.

2009

In 2009 5-year-old Harry Joseph Mould died suddenly and unexpectedly. His twin sister Jessica and parents Lee and Odette were left devastated with no idea where to turn for help and support.

TIMELINE