Henry Rice
Our All of One Heart MPS2 Warrior
ABOUT ME
Hello - I'm Henry
I'm seven years old and I'm a very special little guy - well that's what Mummy and Daddy tell me anyway.
Seems I was born with a rare genetic disease called MPS2 (also called Hunters disease). This explains why I get to spend so much time in Hospitals with Doctors and Nurses.
I get lots of support, and in 2023 I spent 6 months in San Francisco taking part in a clinical trial to treat my condition - and that made a big difference - but there's still lots to do.
It turns out that MPS2 is a very nasty disease, but it never stops me having fun and doing all the things I want to do.
One thing MPS2 does is to prevent me saying too many words - but I always manage to tell people what I want in other ways. This blog is just one more way I get to 'talk' to everyone.
You can find me on Facebook
I'm a little Warrior and I'm not going to let MPS2 beat me. I have my very own Facebook group called All of one Heart - MPS2 Warrior. Please visit my page and leave me a 'Like'.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 2026
Fight and Flight
A big thank you to these two amazing guys.
On Saturday 18th July, under the lights at an IBA Prize Ring Boxing event in Chigwell, Jamie and Martin will step far outside their comfort zones and into the boxing ring for one very special reason - to help me.
And in August they'll be completing a Parachute jump - also in my support.
I'm really looking forward to being there to meet them on both days. In the meantime please support them (and me!) by donating at https://www.justgiving.com/page/fightandflightforhenry
September 2026
The Ishinryu Invitational
I've been the nominated charity for Ishinryu Karate since 2022 and later this year they're taking it to another level.
On Sunday 20th September, Ishinryu will host an Invitational Competition in Harlow with all profits going the the MPS Society.
It's been many years since Ishinryu have hosted a competition - especially one featuring other styles. They anticipate 200 competitors and a great day of Karate competition. I'm really looking forward to being there.
PAST EVENTS
PAST EVENTS
June 2023 and California here I come!
At long last I got to join the clinical trial that Mummy and Daddy have been fighting so hard for. We flew out on June 17th and my treatment started on the 20th.
This was a fantastic adventure for me and I'm so grateful how it has changed my life for the better. A big thank you to everyone who made this happen.
My Ishinryu Kickathon
I loved to watch the videos posted by Ishinryu Karate during their month long Kickathon. There are far too many to show here, but now I can watch some of my favourite ones in this 2 minute video.
If you want to know why I love Ishinryu Karate so much, all you need do is watch this video.
About the HENRY RICE ISHINRYU KICKATHON
During May 2022, the Ishinryu Karate Association held it's first ever KICKATHON challenge.
The Challenge for each participant is to complete a number of kicks in each and every day of the month.
- Dragons (junior students) performed 30 kicks a day.
- Adult (level 1) 50 kicks a day.
- Adult (level 2) 100 kicks a day.
Lots of great photos and videos came in demonstrating kicking abilities, both inside and outside of the Dojo. Theses were initially posted to a dedicated WhatsApp group and some of these images can now be seen on this site.
The dedicated JustGiving page for the ISHINRYU KICKATHON is now closed, but not before it raised over £3,000 for Henry's cause.
A MASSIVE thank you to Ishinryu Karate and everyone who took part in, and donated to, the Kickathon. An amazing contribution and very much appreciated.
My All of One Heart Award
When Ishinryu Karate adopted me as their nominated charity back in 2021 they also did something very special.
They introduced a very special award (in my name) to recognise one exceptional Karateka each year. The winner is selected and presented at our Christmas party each December.
2025
Sarah Kemp
2024
Sara Hawkins
2023
Ray Cutting
2022
Lee Smith
Organisations I Love
The MPS Society
The MPS Society are a registered UK Charity dedicated to providing support to families affected by rare genetic conditions (just like mine).
They raise money and awareness of these conditions through fundraising, information, research and support.
Their vision is to help everyone affected by serious diseases including MPS, Fabry, and related lysosomal conditions.
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Great Ormond Street hospital is the best children's Hospital in the whole world. I know this is true because Mummy told me so.
Sometimes, when I have to visit or stay, I can get very grumpy - this is because I don't like being poked and prodded around. But after they stop doing that, I really like the Doctors, and especially the Nurses. I also like it when I get to travel there on a big red London Bus.
British Ishinryu Karate
Ishinryu Karate wanted to adopt me because they say I'm a great little fighter (and they should know). They like me so much that they created a special award in my name - the Henry Rice All of one Heart award which is given every year for special achievement in their style. I get to present this award at their annual party.
I go to their annual party every December with Mummy and Grandad and I have a really great time.
Barking Rugby Club
In July 2021 Barking Rugby Club held a special charity day for me. There was a charity game, a BBQ, a big raffle, and there were stalls and a bouncy castle and lots to do. I had a really great day and I even got to meet my favourite characters from Toy Story.
I made sure to give a big hug to Mummy's friend Kellie, and to her mum Kathy, who did so much work to organise the day for me.