In an interview with Enable magazine Katie Price has spoken about how she was devastated to learn the extent of her son's disabilities.
Harvey, now aged nine, has septo-optic dysplasia, which has affected his eyesight, as well as behavioural problems, autism and mobility difficulties.
Katie told of the moment she realised Harvey was disabled: “This beautiful looking boy in my arms that couldn’t see, move much or eat... I was worried about the future, but with the support of my family, like others who have gone through this too, you get through it and the pessimistic view can become optimistic... gradually.
“After support from other parents in the same position as me with their children, they gradually gave me the courage to question the doctors. You become a kind of expert, then you ask for more support. You realise you have to push for everything for your wonderful child. This never stops and never will stop. My son is entitled to the best I can offer him and this is the same for every parent of a disabled child – it’s their entitlement.”
Katie, 33, is now pushing to open a new Academy for Harvey and his classmates because their current school doesn't cater for their age group.
“There really are no other schools that provide what Harvey’s school does,” she explains. “There are only four VI schools in the UK that also provide for multiple disabilities along with medical support. Our children will not receive this as standard in any other school offered.”
Katie went on to offer advice for parents in a similar situation: “Do not despair, Don’t just sit there and accept what is offered to your child, get together with other parents and fight for what you want to achieve for your children together. It is possible. If you don’t try you will never know, and it’s the ‘never know’ part that will be with you for the rest of your life. Just do it!”
