Henry’s journey: From mullet to mission

Date: Thursday 29 February 2024

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In September 2022, at the picturesque Eden Project in Bodelva, Cornwall, Henry Taylor, son of Gretal Taylor, who runs the IFA head office in Truro, Cornwall, made an impassioned speech to the members of the IMTFA (IFA) buying group, seeking sponsorship to walk the Cornish Coastal Path alongside his mother. 

Moved by his sincerity and determination, the members of IMTFA rallied behind Henry, and even backed him to represent Cornwall at the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea, collectively raising the £4,000 he sought.

Fast forward to November 2023, aboard the Riverside Mozart Ship cruising down the river Danube, Henry stood once again among the IMTFA members and key suppliers. This time, however, he sported a distinctive mullet haircut, drawing attention and curiosity alike.

As the Gala Dinner Dance unfolded on the second evening, Henry took to the stage, recounting his experiences in South Korea to over 160 attendees, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the support he received, earning a resounding applause.

A raffle also took place raising a staggering £15,000 for Cornish homeless charity, Shelter.

Yet, amidst the festivities, a playful challenge emerged, teasing Henry about his iconic mullet. What began as jest soon evolved into a charitable opportunity, igniting a bidding war that surpassed all expectations. As bids soared, Henry found himself torn between attachment to his beloved hairstyle and the opportunity to make a difference.

In a dramatic turn of events, the decision was made – the mullet would be sacrificed. Gretal also agreed to have her hair cut if the donations could be tripled, with donations surpassing £68,500.

Choosing Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital as the beneficiary, Henry's decision was deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences of illness and recovery as a small child in intensive care.

Henry, who presented the cheque to Great Ormond Street on 16^th February, sporting his new hairstyle, said: “I wanted the donations to go to a children's charity because as Great Ormond Street say: 'the words children and cancer should never appear in the same sentence.'”

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