Harrison Cooney
March 2023
Harrison Cooney, aged 7, was born in Manchester but moved to Kinloss when he was a baby, as his Dad, Paul, serves in the British Army and was posted to Kinloss Barracks. Paul’s work regularly takes him away from the family home and he deployed overseas four times before Harrison was three, spending 4-6 months away at a time.
Sadly, in June last year Harrison’s Mum, Victoria, was diagnosed with cancer. Her health quickly deteriorated and after numerous stays in hospital and a month back at home, she passed away in September 2022.
Just a few weeks later, Harrison Dad became extremely poorly and was hospitalised for several weeks, which meant that Harrison and his younger brother Seth (aged 4) had to be looked after by his Grandma.
Harrison was nominated for the Little Trooper of the Month award by Kate Homer, an MOD support worker from Kinloss Primary School who wanted Harrison to be recognised for everything he has been through. She explains: “Harrison has showed nothing but strength, bravery and resilience with such a loss in his life. I am incredibly proud of Harrison’s kindness, compassion and empathy towards others, even when he’s been going through the most difficult time himself. He talks about his Mummy frequently in circle time and helps others to talk about how they feel. He is definitely a Little Trooper in our eyes.”
Dad, Paul, adds: “Harrison is a very caring boy who cannot do enough for me, his younger brother and those around him. He loves getting involved in lots of outdoor activities such as camping, cycling, hill walking and going to the beach and he also keeps himself busy with swimming lessons, beavers, baking and football.
“The last nine months have been really hard for us as a family but Harrison and Seth have coped with everything surprisingly well. Winning Little Trooper of the Month has brought a smile to Harrison’s face. His Mum would be so proud.”
Harrison will receive a medal, certificate and a £50 voucher from Little Troopers.
Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, comments: “Our Little Trooper of the Month award scheme is all about recognising military children who have been through exceptional circumstances and deserve to know just how special they are. We were saddened to hear about the loss of Harrison’s Mum and we hope that his Little Troopers medal will help him to feel proud of himself and give him strength for the future.”