Beckton hospice mascot goes to British Museum

Kay Atwal, Chief Reporter Wednesday, August 1, 2012
7:00 AM

A mascot from a children’s hospice has followed the Olympic trail to the British Museum to help raise awareness of its work.

Giant Harry – the mascot for the hospice’s Harry’s Million campaign – is visiting a range of locations over the next few weeks to celebrate the diverse nature of the hospice’s users. It is all part of Richard House Children’s hospice’s Rainbow of Nations season.

Harry’s Million is trying to raise £1m for the Beckton hospice over the next two years.

Each week Richard House is focussing on a different continent and Europe was its recent focus. The mascot went to the British Museum where he learnt about Ancient Greece and the origins of the Olympics. Following this he explored Central London, stopping by Mon Plaisir restaurant, on Monmouth Street, and Trafalgar Square.

Peter Higgs, curator of the department of Greece and Rome, said: “We were delighted to teach Harry the Head about European history here at the British Museum.

“The cultural Olympiad is an integral part of our summer programme.

“The Olympic Victory Trail is a great way for children and young adults to learn about the role of the Olympics in sport history. Sporting competitions began in Ancient Greece, with the Olympics being the most famous competition.”