A five-year-old boy from England has received a special birthday surprise from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) after becoming fascinated with the Australian volunteer organisation.
Henry, who lives in Hertfordshire, around 17,000 kilometres from Australia, became a devoted fan of the NSW SES after stumbling across their videos on Youtube.
Not only does Henry have a favourite song, the SES Song for Kids by Ozzie, he also introduced his friends to the organisation.
Hoping to make his birthday extra special, Henry’s mother contacted the NSW SES to ask if volunteers could record a birthday message for her son, who wanted an SES-themed celebration.
The Shellharbour SES unit went beyond a simple video message, sending Henry a package of gifts including a Paddy the Platypus teddy and other SES-branded items.
Volunteers also recorded a two-minute birthday message, which left the young fan both surprised and delighted.
In a video shared by the SES, Henry, dressed in an orange SES-style high-visibility uniform, watches the message before becoming visibly confused as volunteers begin speaking directly to him and reveal a sign reading “Happy Birthday Henry”.
“It’s a special video for you, Henry,” his mum can be heard telling him.
Moments later, his confusion turns into excitement as he asks, “how did they know it was my birthday?”
The NSW SES said it was pleased to celebrate with its “No. 1 UK fan”.
“Having Henry, and other children his age throughout NSW, know what SES does and learn how to keep safe during floods and storms is important,” the SES said.
The heartwarming moment quickly went viral online, with hundreds of Australians praising the volunteers for making Henry’s birthday unforgettable.
“That’s is just SO Australian! Thanks for making a little boy so far away feel so special,” one viewer wrote. “Anyone who knows the SES crew knows they make us feel seen and heard, in good times and in bad.”
Others simply applauded the gesture, with many commenting “Well done” and describing the video as “Awesome”.
Images: NSW SES
