Kerry Annable’s HARRY: Forever Loved, Forever Missed, Forever Three is a deeply moving and profoundly human account of the life and loss of a young child. While not a conventional medical textbook, this work holds significant value for healthcare professionals, particularly those working in Midwifery, Paediatrics, Neonatology, Palliative care, Mental health, and Bereavement support. Reviewed by Registered Midwife Gemma Cromwell.
The book chronicles the short life of Harry through the eyes of a parent, capturing not only the clinical realities surrounding illness and loss but also the emotional landscape families navigate alongside medical care. Kerry offers an unfiltered portrayal of parental love, anticipatory grief, and enduring mourning, reminding clinicians that behind every diagnosis and treatment plan is a family experiencing profound vulnerability.
From a healthcare perspective, the book serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of communication, empathy, and continuity of care. Kerry Annable’s narrative highlights how interactions with healthcare professionals—both positive and negative—can leave lasting impressions on families long after a child’s death. These reflections are especially relevant for clinicians striving to provide trauma-informed and family-centred care.
The writing is accessible yet emotionally significant, balancing personal reflection with moments that invite professional reflection. The book encourages readers to consider the long-term psychological effects of paediatric loss, as well as the importance of compassionate follow-up, validation of grief, and holistic support for families.
HARRY is highly recommended as supplementary reading for healthcare professionals and students. It is particularly valuable in training programmes and professional development sessions addressing end-of-life care, paediatric ethics, and clinician resilience. By engaging with the narrative, readers can enhance reflective practice, empathy, and understanding of family experiences—key components of continuing professional development (CPD).
In addition, this book is an important addition to hospital and healthcare libraries. Its inclusion supports reflective learning, staff education, and the promotion of compassionate, family-centred care across clinical teams.
In summary, HARRY: Forever Loved, Forever Missed, Forever Three is a poignant and instructive work that bridges lived experience and medical practice. It stands as both a tribute to a child’s life and a quiet but powerful reminder of the importance of compassion at the heart of healthcare.
HARRY: Forever Loved, Forever Missed, Forever Three is available to purchase here.
Gemma Cromwell
Registered Midwife
February 2026