Katie Price’s life has been full of ups and downs, but her 22-year-old son Harvey’s care challenges seem to never end. Recently, the former glamour model revealed that Harvey had been “kicked out” of his residential care home for being “too difficult,” adding more stress to her already challenging life.
Katie explained in a podcast that, due to new management at the care home, they could no longer cater to Harvey’s needs. "Harvey is supposed to be moving in four-and-a-half weeks, they've changed management and said they won't be able to cater for Harv because he's too difficult," Katie shared, clearly upset.
With only a few weeks to find a new placement for her son, Katie faces more drama. She added that the sudden decision had created massive stress for both her and Harvey, especially after they had worked for months to arrange the current placement.
Katie and her son Harvey
Harvey, who suffers from a range of conditions, including blindness, autism, and Prader-Willi syndrome (a genetic disorder), had already experienced a turbulent year. He had to leave his £350,000-a-year college last summer when Katie was hit with bankruptcy woes. Additionally, a local authority refused to fund his care, claiming he had no healthcare issues despite his ongoing medical difficulties. Katie has been fiercely fighting to ensure Harvey receives the care he needs, even going as far as appealing the decision.
In a major turn of events, Katie revealed in March that Harvey would be coming home, as the college placement fell through. "We need to do things slowly," she said. "Harvey’s needs are so specific, and I just want to ensure he is in the right environment for him." But the latest setback with his care home placement has left Katie scrambling to find an alternative that could meet Harvey’s complex needs.
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Katie’s struggles with securing proper care for her son are not just personal challenges; they bring attention to the larger issue of supporting individuals with special needs. Katie’s fight for Harvey's wellbeing is a harsh reminder of how difficult it can be for families to navigate the complicated, often underfunded systems that are supposed to care for those with disabilities.
Harvey, who weighs 28 stone due to his Prader-Willi syndrome, is also beginning a weight-loss treatment. Katie explained that he will start using weight-loss jabs, a significant step in managing his health. "It’s really serious and life-changing for Harvey," Katie said, emphasizing how critical this step is for his long-term health.
Katie Price and former Manchester United player and ex Dwight Yorke
Meanwhile, Harvey's biological father, former footballer Dwight Yorke, has been absent from Harvey’s life. Katie has publicly expressed her frustration with his lack of involvement, saying, “I don’t think he liked it that I was with Pete [Andre].” Harvey’s relationship with his father is minimal, with Yorke reportedly seeing him only a handful of times.
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic condition that affects around 1 in 15,000 children born in England. Characterized by an insatiable appetite, children with PWS often consume up to six times more food than children of the same age and still feel hungry. This leads to obesity and related health problems unless carefully managed. Additionally, those with PWS often experience learning disabilities, growth deficiencies, and behavioral issues.
The condition is caused by a defect on chromosome 15 and is often diagnosed early in life. While there is no cure for PWS, managing symptoms through a strict diet and ongoing medical care is crucial. The condition has been well-documented since 1956, when Swiss doctors first identified the syndrome.
For parents like Katie, the challenge of balancing their child’s care with the resources available can be overwhelming. As the need for specialized care homes increases, so does the fight for better services. Families like Katie’s are raising awareness, shedding light on the difficulties of supporting children with lifelong, complex medical conditions, and the stigma that often accompanies these invisible battles.
Katie Price’s journey with Harvey highlights not just the emotional turmoil of a mother trying to secure the best future for her child, but also the larger issues surrounding care, resources, and public awareness. As the Price family continues their quest for Harvey's happiness and health, they are reminding us all of the urgent need for support systems for people living with disabilities.
