Remembering Harper

News

September 16, 2020

Lee and Helena Dowdall at Clarkes Point

A special spot on the waterfront at Clarkes Point has been dedicated to Harper Dowdall as a place for family, friends and the Hunters Hill community to reflect and remember.

Harper’s parents Lee and Helena Dowdall were joined by Mark Bennett in his last official duty as Mayor on 8 September in dedicating a memorial bench seat to their beautiful three-year-old daughter.

Harper passed away in 2019, a day before her fourth birthday, seven months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Harper Dowdall

“Harper was the most perfect child you could ever meet,” her dad Lee said.

“She was someone who was just the light of everyone’s life.”

Lee said his daughter was strong, brave, caring, beautiful, cheeky and funny.

Clarkes Point was a place where the Dowdalls celebrated birthdays, had picnics, walked the family dog Maple, had portraits taken after Harper was diagnosed, and played games including a favourite ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’.

The seat will be a special place for Harper’s family and friends to go and Lee and Helena hope that it will be a site of reflection for other people too.

“We wanted a space where we could reflect on our thoughts, where we could go on hard days, to be close to Harper,” Lee said.

“For our family and Harper’s friends.

“Also, for people who might not know of her.

“We are so thankful to Hunter’s Hill Council for allowing us to have this special space installed.”

Mr Bennett said Harper’s passing was a great tragedy, one that touched many people in Hunters Hill.

“Harper, I know this will be a place of peace for your family,” he said.

“A place to remember the happy times.

“We will remember you every time we visit this place.”