We were absolutely delighted to welcome Thierry HENry to the Centre in West Street at the beginning of this month. This honoured guest was brought along by the Howard family who also brought a very welcome cheque for the charity for £1,000.

Brian Howard has been organising a charity event in Haslemere since 2017; there have been hogs, hares and hounds and this year was the turn of the hens. Thierry HENry is a three-foot fibreglass model hen – just one of 80 sponsored hens that have been decorated, hilariously named and sold in aid of local and national charities. Other hens included an artistic HENri Matisse, a super-heroic Cluck Kent, a musical EGG Sheeran and a nature-loving David AttHENborough. The events have raised a huge £190,000 since they began.

Thierry HENry is the brainchild of Brian’s grandson Charlie who is an avid Arsenal fan. Eleven-year-old Charlie was diagnosed with dyslexia at here at the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre 18 months ago and decided that his footballer hen should raise money to help children like him to get the support they need.

Charlie’s mum Lorraine said, ‘[the diagnosis] really changed Charlie’s life. We know first-hand what amazing work the charity does supporting children and adults with dyslexia as well as their families. Charlie wanted to give something back.’

Charlie’s dad Douglas is CEO of the Real English Drinks Company which sponsored the Arsenal-kitted hen. The hen was bought by a determined and enthusiastic club fan for an amazing £1,000 – all for the benefit of the dyslexia charity.

Our CEO Andy Cook said, ‘It was so lovely to welcome Thierry HENry and the Howard family and to hear Charlie’s story. He’s proof that the right kind of support can make a world of difference. As a charity, our aim is to make this support available to as many people – children and adults – as we possibly can. The £1,000 donation goes a long way to helping people, so thank you to Charlie, Brian and the family and to the very keen Arsenal fan.’