Henry Hall, who grew up in Hockley and Great Wakering, died on Saturday after a lengthy fight with brain cancer.
In the wake of the youngster’s tragic death, the community in Hockley have come together to help make his funeral a bright, colourful and special occasion.
Henry passed away on Saturday following a four-year battle with brain cancer (Image: Julie Gooding)A carriage drawn by white “unicorns” will travel to Pitsea Crematorium on January 24 and Henry’s parents, Louise Reed and Cameron Hall, have invited residents to line the route in their most colourful outfits.
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Corrina Hayzelden runs Hug and Shrug, a community knitting group who are already making strings of bunting for Henry’s funeral.
Councillor Julie Gooding has been making bunting at the East Essex Hackspace (Image: Julie Gooding)“I want the family to know that the whole community has their back and so many people care about them,” she said.
“I think that a lot of people have been following Henry’s story and whether they know Henry, or not, have come to love him by following his story.”
Henry, pictured with dad, Cameron, has been described as having a smile that could light up the room (Image: Julie Gooding)Corrina, who also participates in a weekly walking group with Henry’s mum, Louise, said the group will be out in force on the day of the funeral to cover the route in rainbows.
Sewing group East Essex Hackspace and the White Hart Service Station are also planning colourful displays for Henry, who was a huge fan of Disney princesses and bright colours.
Corrina said: “What we really want is for people to line the streets and wear their most colourful outfits.
“Whether you’re a community group, a shop, or a resident, we want you to come out and decorate any houses or buildings along the route.”
Members of the East Essex Hackspace have been busy sewing bunting for the funeral (Image: Julie Gooding)
A student at Glebe Primary School in Rayleigh, Henry has been described by those who knew him as “a beautiful boy” who could “light up a room with his smile”.
The cortege will begin at Main Road, Hawkwell, at 1.15pm, travelling through Hockley towards the Spa before heading to Rayleigh via Southend Road.
Henry’s life will then be celebrated at Pitsea Crematorium from 2.30pm.