‘It’s a special feeling to see him look so happy after what he has been through,’ says his mum
A 12-YEAR-OLD boy with an incurable blood condition has been given a dream day out with officers from South Wales Police.
Harrison Eason, from Barry, has always dreamed of being a dog handler. During his time at the force’s headquarters in Bridgend he got to give commands to the K9 unit and was presented with his own police helmet by Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan.
Harrison’s mother, Hazel James, said he was overwhelmed by the day and loved it.
“It’s a reward for Harrison’s bravery over the last few years,” said the NHS worker.
Harrison has fibromuscular dysplasia, an extremely rare condition that affects his heart, brain and kidneys, causing weakness. He is also autistic and has ADHD.
For his day out, Harrison was picked up in a police car from his school, Whitmore High. He learned how to answer a 111 call, held a gun which was recovered from a crime scene in Liverpool, and was presented with a framed picture showing him as a dog handler.
“Harrison had his hood up and was shaking, but the officers made him feel safe. He only expected to see the dogs, but he spent six hours with the force. As the day went on, he became more animated,” said Ms James, 41.
“It has made a massive difference to his mood and has given him that extra bit of confidence in school. He talks about it every day.
“He sometimes puts his uniform on, and he thinks he’s an honorary police officer who is in training. It’s a special feeling to see him look so happy after what he has been through.”
Harrison’s hospice in Barry, Tŷ Hafan, had shared his story with PCSO Leanne Williams.
“I really wanted to help and make this special for Harrison,” said PCSO Williams.
“Every child deserves to have their dream come true. What Harrison doesn’t realise is that watching him smile made it an amazing day for me too,” said PCSO Williams.
Harrison became ill at the height of the pandemic in April 2020 when he started to vomit congealed blood. He was rushed to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and was later flown via air ambulance to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
“He travelled in the air ambulance without me due to COVID restrictions. He was extremely anxious,” said his mother.
“The paramedics gave him a teddy and they were fantastic, but he was all by himself. I had to rush down to London on the M4,” she said.
Harrison has been in and out of hospital since after three surgeries, but doctors are unable to tell him how he is progressing, as his condition is so rare.
Harrison’s gifts have gone up in his bedroom. “It is his pride of place,” said his mum.
The police have extended their invitation to Harrison so he can keep going back to see the police dogs while PCSO Leanne Williams has started to take Harrison out patrolling on Sundays.
