Inspirational dad who set up Rainbows Hospice after his daughter tragically died of leukaemia has been awarded an MBE for services to Leicestershire

An inspirational dad who set up a much-needed hospice for youngsters in Leicestershire after his daughter tragically died of leukaemia has been awarded an MBE.

Harry Moore said he is “humbled” to be recognised in the Queen’s Honours List after he set up Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People almost 30 years ago.

“I found out just before Christmas and it was a real surprise.

“I wasn’t suspecting that I would have got anything like that,” said Harry, honoured for his services to Young People and to Charity in Leicestershire.

“I feel quite humbled by it.

“It is nice to be recognised in this way.”

In 1992 Harry and his wife Gail stood on a field and had the dream that became Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.

With a small team but backed by the community, they created the hospice overlooking Charnwood Forest.

Harry and Gail leapt into action after their beloved daughter Laura died of leukaemia in 1989.

Laura's favourite thing in the world was a rainbow – and that’s how the hospice got its name.

Inspired Harry and Gail also launched the charity COPE to build a children's cancer unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary and The Laura Centre - a special counselling service for people who have lost a child and for bereaved children.

“My message about Rainbows has always been about the people rather than the facilities.

“It is about the quality of care and that is down to the people.

“Not just the care staff, but everyone who works at Rainbows and everyone who volunteers,” said Harry.

“Everyone does it in support of the children and it is the children that provide the inspiration for their dedication.”

Back in the early 1990s, it took two years to raise the £1.6 million needed to build Rainbows.

Now it costs over £6.5 million a year to run the vital hospice with its specialised niche care.

“Building Rainbows was the easy part.

“Working out where we went from there and the day to day running of it was the challenge.

“But over the years, Rainbows has grown and evolved and it has always been at the cutting edge of palliative care,” said Harry.

“It has never stood still.

“I am really proud of Rainbows and delighted to receive my MBE for the recognition and value of Rainbows and the Laura Centre.”

Since opening in 1994, Rainbows has cared for thousands of children and young people with life-limiting, life-threatening and terminal conditions.

They have also supported their devastated families through the toughest times imaginable.

Dee Sissons, chief executive of Rainbows, said: “By creating Rainbows, Harry has enabled thousands of families from across the East Midlands to have invaluable experiences and unforgettable memories with their children who have had short lives.

“Over the years, Harry has been a dedicated support and inspiration for everyone at Rainbows and we couldn’t think of anyone more worthy of such a deserving accolade.”

You can get behind Rainbows yourself by visiting their website here: www.rainbows.co.uk/ways-you-can-help