Asda Grantham supports 'inspirational' 11-year-old Harry as he raises money for his local foodbank

Eleven-year-old Harry Goodwin sees the trolley supporting Grantham Food Bank each time he goes shopping at Asda Grantham with his mum Hayley – so decided he wanted to do something special to help them.

Harry has cerebral palsy and earlier this year his mum and her friend Debby Summers hosted The Evergreen Ball to raise money for Leeds Children’s Hospital after Harry underwent spinal surgery there a few years ago.

The event at Belton Park Golf Club raised £1,100 – with £800 going to the hospital, and the remaining £300 going to buy food and everyday essentials for his local community food bank at Harry's insistence.

Harry, Hayley and Debby met up with Asda community champion Sally Slater before going round the store on Union Street, Grantham in Lincolnshire to buy their items, making sure they were choosing items the food bank needed the most – and things Harry thought children would appreciate.

Hayley, who has two other sons, Oliver and Jacob, said: "We are all so proud of Harry, he's such a kind kid. He's an empath, and likes to give back. Although Debby and I were with him, it was very much led by Harry, he decided what went in the trolleys.

"He absolutely loved it and had a big grin on his face all the way round – and he had to use the Scan & Go machine himself. He picked things that he thought children would like.

“When we got to the food bank they were overwhelmed and so thankful and Harry got lots of cuddles too.”

Hayley said: "We've been coming to shop at Asda for years, as they've got a special trolley which is easier for Harry sit in."

Sally said: "Harry was so excited picking things for the food bank and choosing things he knew other children would like. What a wonderful example of kindness, generosity, and compassion. The world needs more people like Harry.

"He was absolutely thrilled to see his Evergreen Ball's success turn into real support for local families. Well done, Harry. He should be so proud of himself. He's an inspiration to us all."

There's a permanent collection point for local food banks in all larger Asda stores like Asda Grantham.

When Asda posted on Facebook about Harry, hundreds of customers commented to say well done and to thank him for thinking of others, with comments including:

• "What an amazing young man, thank you Harry, we are delighted with your donation, lots of families and children will benefit from your generosity x❤️" – comment from Grantham Foodbank

• "Wow huge well done Harry, you're an amazing young man. The world would be a better with more like you in it 👏👏👏🥰"

• "U are a fantastic little boy Harry and thank u for all u are doing to help people xxx well done xxx"

• "You are an amazing young man Harry what a lovely thing to do and raise so much money for others, a massive well done 👏 👍💥"

• "What a kind & thoughtful young man. You should be proud of yourself."

• "Amazing Harry. You are one of the kindest people I've heard of. Keep being you. God bless you x"

• "What a lovely, thoughtful little boy. He is a credit to his Mum. He's been through so much yet still thinks of other children. Such a lovely story."

• "As Harry's mum I'd love to say thank you for all the amazing comments, I have shown Harry and he is very excited he's gone "viral" 😂 thank you again xx" – comment from Harry's mum Hayley

Local news websites Grantham Local Gazette and Grantham Matters posted about Harry's charity fundraising efforts and visit to Asda Grantham online and on Facebook, where their post got comments including:

• "Thank you Harry, I hope there are plenty more like you to give the world a great future"

• "Excellent well done to that young man"

• "Well done Harry you are amazing. Thank you hayley and Debbie for yet another great ball can't wait until next year. Harry spent many hour helping plan the ball and asking for donations, you will be surprised how many people said no, but many small businesses gave. Next challenge for you have fundraising for a electric wheelchair for big school. You are one very special boy".