NINE-YEAR-OLD HARRY SALM REMEMBERED FOR HIS CHEEKY SMILE AND INCREDIBLE IMAGINATION AFTER BRAIN TUMOUR BATTLE

Nine-year-old Harry Salm, remembered by his family as a kind and friendly boy with a cheeky smile and an extraordinary imagination, has died following a long battle with brain cancer.

Harry passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, after being diagnosed with a terminal recurrence of his illness earlier this year.

He leaves behind his parents, Vicki and Andy, and his younger sister, Millie.

For his family, Harry’s death marks the end of a heartbreaking journey that began when he was still a young child — but they hope his creativity, kindness and sense of adventure will ensure he is remembered for the boy he was rather than the illness he endured.

A DIAGNOSIS THAT CHANGED THE FAMILY’S LIFE

Harry was first diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive cancerous brain tumour, in 2022.

The diagnosis came just 14 days after the birth of his baby sister, Millie.

What should have been a joyful period for the family instead became the beginning of years of treatment and uncertainty.

Harry underwent major surgery before travelling to Germany for months of proton beam therapy. He later spent almost a year receiving chemotherapy in the UK.

Despite the gruelling treatment, his family said Harry showed remarkable courage and positivity throughout his illness.

Eventually, he was able to begin rebuilding his life and enjoying time with the people he loved.

THE CANCER RETURNED

In February 2026, Harry’s family received devastating news.

The cancer had returned, and this time there were no curative treatment options available.

His diagnosis was terminal.

His parents, Andy and Vicki, then focused on making the most of the time they had together.

Family and friends filled Harry’s final months with love, laughter, adventures and memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

But even as he faced the reality of his illness, Harry continued to create.

And one of his most special projects would become a lasting part of his legacy.

HARRY’S MONSTER CATCHERS

A huge fan of The Beano, Harry poured his imagination into creating his own children’s story.

Together with illustrator Jane Horton, he co-created a comic book called The Monster Catchers.

The story follows Harry and his best friends as they set out to catch monsters using imaginative inventions and fantastical ideas, including flying cars and volcanoes.

For a young boy facing a terminal illness, the project gave Harry an opportunity to create something joyful and lasting.

His family have since received an ISBN for the book and hope to sell copies to raise money for Brain Tumour Research and Candlelighters, two organisations connected to supporting families affected by childhood cancer.

The book reflects something Harry’s family says they want people to remember most about him: his imagination.

“A KIND, FRIENDLY BOY WITH A CHEEKY SMILE”

Harry’s mum, Vicki, wants her son to be remembered for his personality rather than his illness.

She has described him as a kind and friendly boy with a cheeky smile and a “wicked imagination.”

Those close to Harry say his creativity remained a defining part of his personality, even during the most difficult periods of his treatment.

His family say they hope people who hear his story will remember the happiness and imagination he brought into their lives.

A FAMILY NOW RAISING MONEY IN HIS MEMORY

A fundraising campaign has been established in Harry’s memory to support causes close to his story.

The campaign says Harry’s courage throughout his treatment inspired those around him and describes his creation of Monster Catchers as one of his proudest achievements.

Money raised is intended to support research into brain tumours and help children and families affected by cancer.

For Harry’s loved ones, the campaign is also a way of ensuring that something positive can come from his story.

REMEMBERING HARRY

Harry was only nine when he died, but his family say he leaves behind something much bigger than his years.

He leaves behind memories of a boy who loved stories, enjoyed using his imagination and continued creating even when his own life had become increasingly difficult.

His final months were marked not only by illness, but by time spent with his parents, his little sister and those who loved him.

And through The Monster Catchers, a part of Harry’s imagination may continue to reach other children long after his death.

His family now hope people will remember the nine-year-old behind the diagnosis — the kind boy with the cheeky smile, the huge imagination and the ability to turn monsters into adventures.

Harry Salm was nine years old.