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A local mum is crowdfunding to create a garden for stretched students to enjoy a moment of calm in a tribute to her son, who passed away earlier this year after dedicating the last years of his life helping others as he battled a rare and aggressive cancer.
Determined to take something positive from the experience of suffering two sudden brain haemorrhages and a stroke around four years ago, personal trainer Harry Zambon (25) went on to help scores of islanders through stroke and cancer recovery, while raising thousands for charity.
His mother, Sharon Shepherd, is now aiming to raise £10,000 to create a small garden at JCG in what she hopes will be a “fitting” tribute that will allow Harry’s memory to continue helping others.
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Pictured: One of the charities Harry helped.
Noting that the pressures of adolescence and academic life can leave students feeling “pulled in too many directions”, Mrs Shepherd told Express she wanted to “make a space away from the hustle and bustle to relax.”
“It will be somewhere to sit and not have the noise, a place to make plans…to find oneself,” she said, later reflecting on Harry’s belief that it was important to find balance in life in order to achieve goals.
“He thought that everyone should strive for the best, whatever your sex,” Mrs Shepherd said, noting that the garden would also be for VCJ students.
The idea of a garden also reflects Harry’s great passion for being outdoors, she said.
Pictured: Harry loved being outdoors and in the garden, according to his mum.
“He loved being outside and doing things. We have a small area at home with various plants, but most of the time Harry was out there getting a tan!”
Although many will remember Harry for his “out there and outrageous” character (and for being a “dreadful tease” in his sister’s case), his mum hopes that the garden will reflect another side of him: his integrity, generosity, and compassion.
“When Harry was so ill, he was so brave even though he knew there was very little hope, and he hung onto that hope. He wasn’t someone who was ill – he made the most of life… His selflessness is what a lot of people remember and the personal help he gave.”
She later added: “If [the garden] helps anybody feel better about whatever is troubling them, that’s a wonderful thing.”
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Pictured: Harry and his sister, Lara.
The location of the garden was chosen because Harry drew much “positivity” from an AS Level class he took at JCG, which his sister, Lara, of whom he was “so proud”, also attended.
It will be based in a small green area nestled between the drama and science block, which Mrs Shepherd hopes to transform with the help of evergreen plants – “I want it to be pleasant regardless of the time of year” – and some subtle flowers in white like Japanese anemones.
Aiming to ensure there is “access for all”, she envisages a small pathway, and would also like to create a small pebble mural on the ground.
“Something like our island in stones – Harry loved the island and the beaches.”
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Pictured: Harry and his mum, Sharon.
However, she emphasises that it is “early days” and that she is no expert when it comes to design work.
“I’m just an ordinary mum with an ordinary garden. Any plant that comes to my house often dies!” she jokes, adding that she has even had problems with orchids, which are supposed to be “easy."
She’s therefore hoping to secure the help of volunteers to help with the planning and execution of the project.
“I know all parents have time demands, but anyone who can give a little bit of time or ideas would be super.”
JCG Principal Carl Howarth recently issued a call for help to all parents – particularly landscape gardeners – via email, writing: “Once the design is agreed, I hope the College community will join together in making it. It will be a special place on our campus.”
View this post on InstagramBro @durrell_jerseyzoo @durrellwarmup #charity #losthim #cheersmum #coach #mrmotivator
Pictured: Harry's mum said he will be remembered as being "outrageous", but that the garden will reflect his "selfless" side.
He told Express: “JCG is honoured to work with Sharon to create a place of quiet beauty in memory of Harry. Our world can seem so busy, rushed and frenetic.
“To have a garden that encourages us all to pause, listen and be still is a wonderful and poignant addition to our campus and one our students and staff will deeply appreciate.”
More than 50 islanders have also thrown their weight behind the project by contributing to Mrs Shepherd’s JustGiving page, which has so far raised over £1,600 of its £10,000 target.
One donor wrote: “ Lovely way to honour Harry and all he did and wanted to do for the people of Jersey xx”
Pictured: 16% of the total has been raised so far.
Another added: “A great idea and touching way to remember such an inspirational human being.”
Donate to the crowdfunding page by clicking here.
"Harry's passion was to make a difference to people's lives"
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