The nation pays tribute to Children in Need’s ‘Half-a-heart Henry’, who has tragically passed away at nine-years-old
Social media users have shown their support for Henry's family
A LITTLE boy who stole the hearts of the nation during a Children in Need appeal has passed away, at just nine-years-old.
Adorable Henry Bromberg, who was nicknamed Half-a-heart Henry, was born with a rare heart condition.
Since birth, his hypoplastic left heart syndrome caused one side of his heart to fail.
As Henry’s condition worsened, he was forced to leave school and spend most of his time in hospital.
Courageous Henry took 24 different types of medication daily and bravely battled through 38 operations.
During last year’s Children in Need appeal, a short clip outlining Henry’s story was shown.
After explaining how difficult it is to be constantly in and out of hospital, Henry quickly captured the attention of viewers.
What is Hypoplastic left heart syndrome?
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children explain: "Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a condition where the left lower pumping chamber (left ventricle) of the heart does not develop properly so is much smaller than usual.
The mitral valve between the left ventricle and the upper left filling chamber (left atrium) is often closed or very small.
In addition, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body (aorta) is also smaller than usual. This means that the heart is unable to pump blood around the body effectively.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a form of congenital heart disease – a term used to describe a problem with the heart’s structure and function due to abnormal development before birth."
As a direct result of his appeal, hundreds of schools decided to run their own sponsored reading sessions to raise money for the Readathon charity.
Nine-year-old Henry, from Deerhurst in Gloucestershire, was made a young ambassador for the charity.
The not-for-profit organisation helps support children in hospital, arranging sponsored reads and regular storyteller visitors.
Tragically, on Friday, it was confirmed that Henry had passed away.
His former playgroup, Rainbow Corner, released a statement: “Just had some very sad news. Henry Bromberg has passed away this afternoon.
"He spent two very happy years with us our love and thoughts go out to Bob and Laura at this dreadful time.
"He will always be in our heart such a fantastic special little boy who stayed positive throughout! No matter what he was faced with! Much love and hugs Henry xxx."
Following the news, hundreds of people paid tribute to the bright nine-year-old.
On Twitter, the Readathon charity said: "With huge sadness we say goodbye to Henry our Young Ambassador, who died yesterday. Our thoughts are with his family."