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VIP Harrison meets the police

Thursday, 30 January 2025 at 09:17

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

South Wales Police

A 12 year-old Barry boy with a rare condition has been given the VIP treatment by South Wales Police.

The force rolled out the red carpet for Harrison, when he visited their Bridgend headquarters - with chief constable Jeremy Vaughan on hand to welcome him.

Harrison, who attends Whitmore High School, was diagnosed with Fibromusuclar Dysplasia, which affects his heart, brain and kidneys.

His dream of joining the police came true when the Tŷ Hafan children's hospice approached a local officer, PCSO Williams.

She said: "I built up good relations with staff...and was contacted by staff member Emily who asked if I could help in organising Harrison’s wish to meet the police dogs."

“I really wanted to help and make this special for Harrison. I am so grateful to colleagues who helped make Harrison’s visit so special. Community engagement is another side to policing – I love my job and will always try and go over and above for the community."

“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.”

After being escorted from school to police HQ in a patrol car, Harrison visited several departments such as the joint scientific investigations unit and the control room, from where both emergency and non-emergency calls are handled.

He made such an impression with the dog handling team that they welcomed him as an honorary member of their team.

Harrison also took away with him an array of souvenirs and goodies including police helmets, a hi-vis 'tac' vest, badges & patches and a framed photo showing him as a dog handler.

His mum, Hazel, has thanked everyone who helped to make Harrison's special VIP day so special: "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.”

Inspector Abi Biddle, who has spent the last three years as a local inspector for PCSO Williams’ patch, added: "It was an honour and a privilege to be able to do this for Harrison."

"We don’t do something like this very often, but it really brought out the best of our teams, who took the time to explain their work and what Harrison could see and help out with."

"I want to thank Leanne 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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