In memory of Harvey our incredible son

A charity created from love, loss and the belief that no child should face grief alone.

Our Story Get Support

Harvey was full of love, courage and mischief.

Our son Harvey Hext was born in 2006, an identical twin to Spencer and a much-loved little brother to Olivia. Shortly after birth, both Harvey and Spencer were diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Together, the three of them shared a happy, love-filled childhood and built an incredibly close bond as siblings.

Harvey’s cheeky smile was unforgettable. He brought warmth, joy and laughter everywhere he went, and no matter what was happening, he always found a way to make us laugh. His kindness, courage and mischievous personality touched everyone who knew him.

From heartbreak came purpose.

After losing Harvey, we quickly realised there was very little bereavement support available specifically for siblings. We also came to understand just how important memory-making and emotional connection could be for grieving children and families.

Together, we created a bespoke wooden memory box — a safe place to hold treasured belongings, photographs and memories of Harvey. The experience had such a profound impact on us that we knew other bereaved children deserved the same comfort, connection and lasting memories.

Through our own experience, we discovered that creating memory boxes was far more than simply preserving keepsakes. The process itself became deeply therapeutic — offering children and families a safe and gentle way to talk, remember, reflect and grieve together.

For many bereaved children, grief can feel confusing, isolating and overwhelming. We believe memory-making can become an important part of helping children navigate the maze of grief, giving them comfort, connection and a lasting reminder that the people they love will always remain part of their story.

And so, The Harvey Hext Trust was born.

A family's world changed forever.

When Harvey was just four years old, our world changed forever. We received the devastating and unexpected news that he had Neuroblastoma, Harvey was the only known child in the world to have Down syndrome and Neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. What followed were five years filled with treatment, hospital stays, uncertainty and unimaginable heartbreak. Throughout it all, in periods of wellness we were lucky enough to be able to give Harvey the best life we could, we holidayed, we laughed, we cried, but most importantly we loved. Harvey showed extraordinary courage, strength and resilience and we couldn't have been more proud of the wonderful, beautiful soul we were lucky enough to call our son.

In 2015, shortly after Harvey's ninth birthday, we were told that a secondary cancer had developed and there were no remaining treatment options. Harvey passed away 3 months later surrounded by the love of his devastated family.

Helping children keep memories close.

Today, The Harvey Hext Trust supports bereaved children across the UK by creating personalised wooden memory boxes, memory bears and practical bereavement support.
Each memory box is designed alongside a child and their family using personal photographs, messages and meaningful details that celebrate the life of the person they have lost and cherish.
The charity works with hospitals, hospices and bereavement services throughout the UK to ensure children receive support when they need it most.

Every memory box tells a story.

For many children, memory boxes become a place of comfort, part of their healing journey and a lasting connection to the people they love.
We believe every child deserves something beautiful, personal and lasting to help them remember and treasure the people they have lost.

What we hope for every family.

Our vision is simple — that no bereaved child feels that their loss is less, that they feel supported, understood and not alone.

The Harvey Hext Trust hopes to continue reaching more families, expanding professional partnerships and creating memory boxes for every child who needs one.

The charity relies entirely on donations and community support to continue this work.