A YOUNGSTER from Barry with a rare medical condition recently received VIP treatment from South Wales Police.
Harrison, aged 12, who is a pupil of Whitmore High School, has been diagnosed with the rare condition of Fibromuscular Dysplasia, which affects his heart, brain and kidneys.
When local PCSO Leanne Williams was approached by Tŷ Hafan children’s hospital in Sully and was told of Harrison’s dream of joining the police, she pulled out all the stops and arranged for him to have a VIP tour of South Wales Police (SWP) force headquarters in Bridgend.
Escorted from school in a marked police car, Harrison was delighted to be welcomed by SWP Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan.
The red carpet was rolled out for Harrison, who visited a range of departments, including the dogs and mounted section, the joint scientific investigations unit, and the control room where emergency and non-emergency contacts are handled.
Trying his hand at everything from dispatching officers to taking moulds of footprints, Harrison made a particular impression on a crew of dog handlers, who welcomed him as an honorary addition to their team.
The youngster was also given special gifts, including his own police helmet, a high-visibility vest, a range of police badges and patches, and a framed photo of himself as a dog handler.
Harrison’s mum Hazel said he couldn’t wait to show his gifts to his friends and to tell them about the experience he had had.
Hazel has passed on her thanks to everyone who helped make Harrison’s VIP experience so memorable, saying: “He had the most amazing day and as a mum I can’t thank you all enough for the kindness and effort you have all shown him.
“It means the absolute world to see my little boy, who has been through more than most, have his dreams not only come true, but completely surpassed by you and the team.”
PCSO Williams said: “I built up good relations with staff at Tŷ Hafan and was contacted by staff member Emily who asked if I could help in organising Harrison’s wish to meet the police dogs.
“After the visit we were travelling back to Barry to take Harrison home and he said it had been an amazing day. What Harrison doesn’t realise is that watching him smile and carry out his dream made it an amazing day for me. I will never forget this day.
“He’s such a special boy – and every child deserves to have their dream come true.”
Local police Inspector Abi Biddle added: “I want to thank Leanne [PCSO Williams] especially for everything she’s done to arrange this visit. She has worked relentlessly to piece everything together – it has been a passion of hers and is representative of the fantastic work she does out there in the community.”
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