Schoolboy's wave through a care home window sparks a heartwarming friendship

He did the same thing again the next morning, and the next, and soon it became part of his daily walk to school, and part of George’s daily routine, as he too looked out for Harry at the window of Howgate House Care Home in Idle, each morning.  

Harry then began making pictures and writing cards to be delivered to his friend – with George happily writing back. But when George wasn’t there one day, Harry’s mum called up to find out what had happened, cementing their friendship further. 

Harry and his family have kept in touch ever since, asking after George during a recent period of ill health, and keeping up a steady flow of cards and good wishes. The care home staff in turn made sure to contact them when George moved rooms so they would know where to look for him for their daily wave at the window. 

Finally, after months of long-distance waves and letters, Harry and his family were invited to be special guests at a party at the care home in the last week of May, and these two friends, decades apart in age, were able to share a special moment together in person at last, albeit through a window.  

Harry said: “I started waving to George, just because it’s a nice thing to do and I don’t like to see anyone being lonely or on their own. It’s nice to know my friend is being well looked after by everyone in his home, but it makes me happy when I see George smiling after he sees me.

“I always look out for him, and it’s nice to know that he now looks out for me.  It was so exciting to get to meet him – he looked really happy to see me and I was really happy to see him.” 

Harry’s mum Melanie said: “George is such a lovely gentleman and this friendship has brought them both so much fun and happiness, and it has been a great distraction from everything that has been going on with the pandemic. 

“Harry was always so thrilled to see his friend at the window giving him a wave, but to visit the home and see him in person was just wonderful. He’s become like another member of our family so it was a very special moment for everyone.” 

Home manager Jill Shearer added: “Even as the Covid pandemic kept us apart it couldn’t stop the human connections that bind us all together. We all still care for each other and look out for each other in our communities – that’s what Harry and George have shown us. 

“Their friendship has brought such a lot of smiles not only to George, but to all of us at Howgate House – we love to see his lovely letters and pictures, and to give him a wave too. 

“At a time when things were tough, Harry’s visits have been a source of joy – he’s a thoroughly lovely lad and we were so thrilled to finally be able to welcome him and his family here for tea and cakes and a chance to meet George at our party. Harry and his family really have become a part of our family here at Howgate House.”