Tributes flow for Henry McMinn

Inspiring grade one student Henry McMinn’s mum has remembered him as a caring child after he died on Saturday.

Henry McMinn with Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield. Picture: Supplied

Henry McMinn has been remembered as an inspiring and caring child after he died aged seven on Saturday.

The Elliminyt Primary School grade one student was diagnosed with leukaemia in November last year.

Mum Naomi Uwland said Henry was in remission and had been undergoing “maintenance” treatment.

“The past six months he’s done so well,” she said.

Recently Henry, who lived with his mum, dad Scott and three sisters on a farm in the Otways at Kawarren, near Colac, became unwell.

He was taken to hospital in Melbourne but was discharged within a few days.

Henry McMinn passed away. Picture: Supplied

Last week his health deteriorated further.

He was taken to hospital and placed in intensive care.

Testing showed kidney abnormalities and Henry was transferred to Melbourne on Thursday.

“It was heart wrenching, it was horrible,” Ms Uwland said.

Ms Uwland said tests showed blood flow to his kidneys was being impacted.

He had surgery on Thursday night to try and remove clots from his kidneys.

“He didn’t wake up after that,” Ms Uwland said.

“There wasn’t time to save him.”

Clots spread to his other organs and he died on Saturday.

“It just shouldn’t have happened this way,” Ms Uwland said.

Henry McMinn at the team photo day. Picture: Facebook via Geelong Cats

“He was such a fighter, so strong.

“It wasn’t the cancer that took our boy.”

Ms Uwland said Henry had been treated with a chemotherapy drug that has been associated with blood clots.

She said her son was a loving brother and gentle and caring child.

“He would watch the Discovery Channel and learn about animals over watching cartoons – he was a bit of an old soul,” Ms Uwland said.

“Everyone was drawn to him.

Henry McMinn with his parents and sisters. Picture: Supplied

“There was something about him that just touched people.”

Henry’s parents have been left heartbroken and shocked.

A leap year baby born on February 29, 2016, the Cats fan loved being outdoors on his family’s farm.

Earlier this year he joined Geelong for their team photo day.

For Sunday’s match, skipper Patrick Dangerfield wore a black armband and star forward Jeremy Cameron celebrated with a “shaka” sign in Henry’s honour.

“Earlier this year we had the pleasure of hosting Henry at our team photo day where he inspired us all with his strength and positivity,” the club posted on social media.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing and send our thoughts to his family, friends and everyone else who had the opportunity to meet him.”

A GoFundMe page titled Henry McMinn (Team Henry) has been established to fund the funeral and support the family.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Henry McMinn