After capturing the attention of households across the motu with his first ever flatting experience, Henry Stilwell has set his sights on another creative venture.
Henry, who has delivered the Valley Profile in Ngatea for more than four years, was recently involved in a television series that’s currently streaming on TVNZ+ called Four Go Flatting.
The series follows the lives of four young New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities as they experience a real-life temporary flatting situation.
Twenty-two-year-old Henry, who has Williams Syndrome, said he felt like people didn’t understand the genetic disorder.
However, there was a particular part of the show that could offer insight into the experiences of people with Williams Syndrome living with others, he said.
With five episodes out in the world, Henry told The Profile it felt awesome to see himself on TV.
So far Henry said he’d received feedback from people telling him he was their favourite, and the TV show was good.
Even a family friend of Henry’s, Amanda Fitzpatrick, said she absolutely loved the programme. But the young television star was interested in trying on a new entrepreneurial hat with help from Amanda.
Henry, who also shares his life experiences with a following of around 40,000 on TikTok, has started selling Lil Henry caps and t-shirts.
A cartoon sketch of Henry features on the t-shirts and was created by Amanda’s brother, Pete McClelland.
Printed by Pete from Xperteez Total Image, the shirts are available in white, black or ecru (cream) and caps in navy/green or pink. And for every t-shirt sold, $1 will be donated to: www.williams-syndrome.org.nz.
When asked about the fundraiser, Henry said: “I have been wanting to do it for a while”.
To support Henry and those affected by Williams Syndrome, contact Henry to purchase Lil Henry merchandise. And to see Henry and his flatmates on Four Go Flatting, head to TVNZ+ to watch all five episodes.
DETAILS: To order a Lil Henry t-shirt or cap, email: stilly05@live.com or text Henry on 022 171 6537.
