Katie Price, former glamour model and devoted mother, has faced heartbreak as she was compelled to withdraw her eldest son, Harvey, from his specialist residential college. The 22-year-old, who suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome, partial blindness, autism, and septo-optic dysplasia, was attending the prestigious National Star College in Gloucester, with fees amounting to £350,000 annually.
The decision to pull Harvey out came after Katie’s local council declined to continue funding his education, citing that he only requires social care, despite his complex medical needs. This refusal has left Katie distraught, as she highlighted on her podcast, The Katie Price Show, stating, “The socials came back yesterday, the people who do the funding, and they believe by seeing Harvey that Harvey has no healthcare issues.”
Harvey’s medical condition includes being cortisol deficient, which can lead to life-threatening situations, necessitating ongoing medical supervision. Despite this, the council’s assessment contradicts the reality of Harvey’s health needs, prompting Katie to contemplate an appeal against the decision.
“I will not be letting Harvey suffer,” Katie emphasized, expressing her determination to ensure her son’s well-being amidst financial challenges and bureaucratic obstacles. She expressed disbelief over the council’s stance, stating, “Anyone out there if you’re in a situation like me, like everyone knows Harvey has healthcare issues, it’s been documented and I’ve done documentaries on it, but they just think it’s behaviour.”
With Harvey facing the prospect of moving to a more local care facility, Katie remains steadfast in her efforts to secure proper support for her son. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by families navigating healthcare and funding complexities for individuals with severe disabilities.
As Katie continues to advocate for Harvey’s best interests, she remains a vocal figure in raising awareness about the needs of individuals with disabilities, urging others in similar situations to stand up for their rights and seek adequate support.
