Meet James Norris - Westfield Local Heroes 2021

Walking beside parents

Walk with Wings
Inspirational. Selfless. Humble

James Norris has volunteered countless hours for seven years to support parents of premature babies and those who have lost a child.

James and his wife, Kerry, co-founded the Walk with Wings charity in memory of their son Harrison, who passed away unexpectedly in 2013. They provide peer support, premmie support packages, free AngelCare baby monitor hire and free hand and foot impressions of children who have passed away.

None of this would be possible without James. He is available day and night seven days a week to speak to parents. No topics or challenge is too difficult, from consoling a dad who feels left out of the NICU journey to taking an impression of a child’s hand or foot for bereaved parents.

When not working directly with parents, James is a dedicated fundraiser. He has walked 80km from Paralowie to Port Wakefield in 16 hours five times to raise money for his charity.

“Knowing we can change another family’s world in Harrison’s honour is something wonderful,” says James.

He feels overwhelmed to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “I do what I do for the love of doing it, not so much to be in the spotlight, but the feeling of knowing I have been nominated is truly amazing.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Walk with Wings will invest in 3D printing technology to modernise the approach to hand and foot impressions.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here