Henry Cameron Hall – Now he’s the star that lights the night...

30 January 2025

The thoughts and prayers of the Province are with Henry’s family and all those who knew him at this sad and difficult time

Henry Cameron Hall was born on 25th March 2018 but sadly passed away on 4th January 2025. When he was only two years old, Henry was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. As the side effects of chemotherapy were considered too dangerous, his mum, Louise, did everything she possibly could to save her son and raised over £60,000 from individuals and local community groups for Henry to have 30 sessions of proton beam therapy in Germany, as it was not available on the NHS.

In December 2021, following an MRI scan at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), the cancer, it seemed, was in remission and Henry went from strength to strength. He started school in September 2022. Sadly, he relapsed and had to endure more gruelling treatment to fight the cancer again. Although relapse in his type of cancer has an extremely poor prognosis of just 5%, initially Henry responded well to treatment but in August last year he had a huge seizure, and it was found that the cancer had progressed and was no longer treatable. The diagnosis was terminal.

Henry’s Celebration-of-Life service was held at Basildon and District Crematorium on Friday 24th January. Everyone had been encouraged to wear rainbow, unicorn and bright colours. The community of good people that had been there for Henry, throughout his short, brave and inspirational life, attended in strength. Around 300 mourners enthusiastically clapped as the horse-drawn hearse passed an honour guard of local Scouts with banner and flag and arrived at the chapel entrance. Many were left standing outside during the service, as the chapel was full to capacity, but there was probably not one mourner who did not shed tears as Louise gave a mother’s heartfelt tribute to Henry.

Many other memories and tributes were given, including those of his dad, family members, GOSH, Little Havens Children’s Hospice, teachers, medical staff, carers, support workers and many more from a community of people, each and every one having been touched in some special emotional and inspirational way by Henry’s bravery, his wonderful character and love of the film Frozen. The soundtrack played softly as Henry passed and the hit song Let it Go played as we all left the Chapel.

In 2026, Essex Freemasons will have been supporting local communities in the County for 250 years, ever since Thomas Dunckerley was appointed as the first Provincial Grand Master in 1776. So, it was second nature for the Masons to help by donating £30,000 towards Henry’s proton beam therapy medical costs. Get Started Art, a charity founded by Essex Freemason, Dave Barton, also sent a selection of Arts and Crafts toys and supplies for Henry to enjoy time with his brother and sister over their last Christmas together.

When Henry’s Mum, Louise contacted Essex Freemasons in December she said, “I have attached a few photos of him from a few weeks ago before he began deteriorating just so you can see the gorgeous boy he grew to be before this awful disease takes him from me. Thank you for giving me more time with him than I ever would have had, had we not been able to get him to Germany for treatment in the first place.”

On behalf of all Essex Freemasons, Paul Reeves who was the Deputy Provincial Grand Master at the time of the donation replied, “That is devastating news, and you have my deepest sympathy. Your drive to help Henry was inspirational and gave him time he wouldn’t otherwise have had; time that allowed him to be a young boy and time that will no doubt give you and your husband many fond memories of a lovely son. I’m sorry we couldn’t help you any further.”

Henry Cameron Hall – Now he’s the star that lights the night, shining down with all his might (from the poem ‘My Mummy Knows’ by Cameron, Henry’s dad)

Photos

Top: Henry with his mum, Louise

Bottom: Happy memories of Henry never to be forgotten