A TODDLER from Colchester with a unique brain injury became the face of a charity campaign which has raised more than £11,000 for a children’s hospice.

Help Hydrotherapy Happen - a campaign by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices - has been raising money and awareness for the treatment.

Henry Knights, who is 18 months old and has a brain injury after his brain was starved of oxygen or blood around the time he was born, spearheaded the campaign.

Relaxed - Henry's parents know he is safe when doing hydrotherapy with physiotherapist Lauren MessengerRelaxed - Henry's parents know he is safe when doing hydrotherapy with physiotherapist Lauren Messenger (Image: East Anglian Children's Hospice)Little Henry appeared on posters and leaflets in East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shops across Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

He was pictured in a hydrotherapy pool with EACH physiotherapist Lauren Messenger, in a bid to encourage customers to donate an extra 25p when paying at the till.

The target was to raise £9,000, enough to fund a hydrotherapy session every week for the next 12 months.

The campaign raised an incredible £11,436 throughout August and September.

Therapy - Hydrotherapy helps with muscle relaxation, reducing pain, and relaxation.Therapy - Hydrotherapy helps with muscle relaxation, reducing pain and relaxation. (Image: East Anglian Children's Hospice) Mum Sally Knights said: “I was amazed when I heard Henry was going to appear on the posters.

“I’m so happy he became the face of the campaign because he and we, as a family, benefit so much from hydrotherapy.

“It looked wonderful, and I’ve become a regular at my local shop ever since - everyone there makes such a fuss of Henry.”

Hydrotherapy uses water to reduce pain, improve mental health and relax muscles.

EACH has hydrotherapy pools at each of its hospices, which are warmer than recreational pools and allow families to take a dip together in a private, safe and supportive environment.

Benefits - Henry's family benefits from hydrotherapy Benefits - Henry's family benefits from hydrotherapy (Image: East Anglian Children's Hospice) Sally said: “The fundraising side is amazing, but I’m also pleased it’s helped raise awareness.

“People probably don’t know it’s something a children’s hospice can offer, but it’s not just about end of life - it’s about quality of life.

“Hydro is an important part of that, and I’m so pleased and grateful to everyone who donated and supported the campaign.

“Having a child with complex health needs can be very isolating, because not many people understand.

“I worry about Henry, always, but for those 20 minutes in the pool in know I don’t need to.”

EACH relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income. To find out more, visit www.each.org.uk