Charity plans to release 11,000 'virtual balloons' in Milton Keynes park

The Henry Allen Trust will be selling 11,000 balloons for £4 each and 'releasing' them in a Bletchley park.

But there will be no litter, or danger to the environment and wildlife - because the balloons don't actually exist. Instead, the race is computer-generated via Google maps and satellites.

Advanced mathematical and physics algorithms use live weather data from meteorological group Aeris to track the progress of each virtual balloon.

The balloons will be launched on what would have been Henry's 11th birthday. He lost his brave battle with stage four high risk Neuroblastoma in 2013, and afterwards his Bletchley parents Dawn and Mark vowed to help bring happiness to other children and families battling childhood cancer.

They set up the Henry Allen Trust and have worked tirelessly ever since to ensure no family is alone during their journey.

"We aim to sell 11,000 balloons for £4.00 per balloon to mark the age when Henry gained his angel wings. The 11,000 balloons are to celebrate Henry’s 11th birthday this year," said Dawn.

Due to the Covid pandemic, all the Trust's events had to be cancelled and fundraising became "beyond difficult", she said.

"We are struggling to continue to help and support families battling childhood cancers and thought a virtual balloon race with incredible prizes would help continue Henry’s Wish and mark Henry’s 7th Angel Anniversary."

The race will begin at 3:15pm on October 29 in Chepstow Park, which was Henry's favourite place. People will be able to track their balloon's progress until the race finishes seven days later, when the winners will be announced.

Prizes include a family coastal break in Norfolk, a family day out to Bekonscot Model Railway Village a family shooting voucher for Alders Gun Range and a trip to Bletchley park.

"Everyone who enters can watch their balloon virtually soar across the world, " said Dawn,

You can purchase a balloon here .

The aim is to raise £44,000 to fund the Trust's treats and wishes programme for a year, enabling them to spread some Henry’s Happiness to families of children undergoing treatment, remission or palliative/end of life care.

The Trust also holds a monthly support group and works with hospitals to provide care packs, toys, arts and crafts, ward visits and even specialised equipment.