10-year-old with half a heart sleeping out to support Sheffield homeless charity

Sheffield United superfan Harri Parker, from Killamarsh, will raise money for the St Wilfrid’s Centre by sleeping out with dozens of others on Friday, March 13.

Because of the age limit on sleeping out at Bramall Lane, Harri will be taking part in the event in a tent in his garden, before travelling up to Newcastle for United’s game at St James’ Park.

Mum, Jeni Parker, said: “Harri was born with a congenital heart condition and is terminally ill but we don’t know exactly how long he has.

“One of the things he really wanted to do was go to a football game - but since we started coming it has just spiralled out of control and we go everywhere with them now.

“He wanted to do the sleep out for St Wilfrid’s because it was happening at Bramall Lane but because of the age limit he’s going to do it at home.

“And the day after he’s going to the game in Newcastle - but he can sleep in the car on the way up!”

Since going to his first game three years ago, Harri has struck up friendships with United players including Dean Henderson, and has named his new dog after George Baldock.

He has only missed two games home and away all season and says his favourite games have been Manchester City - when he was mascot - Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

As well as fundraising for St Wilfrid’s, Harri also raises money for the Sheffield Hospitals Charity and last year collected more than 1,500 easter eggs for Bluebell Wood.

In 2019, St Wilfrid’s had 93 rough sleepers come to the centre, an increase of 63 per cent on the previous year.

Welfare manager Louise Finnigan said: “It is very inspirational that Harri, with his own health issues, is focussing on other people and their troubles.

“We are privileged that Harri will be Sleeping Out to support St Wilfrid's Centre. Thank you Harri - you are a star!”