It’s ‘Unacceptable And Insulting’ To Troll Katie Price For Her Decision To Put Son Harvey Into Residential College

Katie Price has been trolled for her brave and honest decision - and that's not OK.

Katie Price Harvey care

by Rhiannon Evans |
Updated on

Model and reality star Katie Price today revealed her decision to put her son, Harvey, into a residential college

And while trolls have hit out at Katie for her decision, there has also been overwhelming support from charities and social media users for her bravery and honesty in being open about the family's decisions.

Katie told The Sun she will place 18-year-old Harvey in a residential college in a move to teach him how to have a more independent life and learn new skills.

Katie, who has raised Harvey as a single parent for most of his life - his father Dwight Yorke has reportedly not seen him for 14 years - told the paper: 'It breaks my heart. I don’t want him to think I’m just getting rid of him.'

And for most people, reading that sentence will have broken their hearts also. That's why Katie, on the whole, has received a lot of love on social media today.

However, some vile trolls have also seen fit to cast judgement on Katie's decision.

Richard Kramer, chief executive of national disability charity Sense, hit back at those who were doing so, and said: 'Many parents who have a disabled child with complex needs, will have to, when they get older, put them into a specialist care setting, such as residential college or supported living. In these environments an individual can develop life skills, make friends and grow more independent. It also means the parents and wider family can benefit from respite from 24/7 caring.

'It is, nevertheless, a decision that is never taken lightly by parents.

'It’s an issue that doesn’t get enough attention, and we’re grateful to Katie for being so open and creating discussion on it. What we find so sad, and frankly disgusting, is the cruel trolls on social media who attack Katie on social media over this. It’s unacceptable and insulting, not just to Katie, but all the other parents in her situation who have to read it.'

Many also raised the point that anger seemed directed only towards Katie - and not his father.

Katie explained to The Sun that she and Harvey have spent six months visiting colleges for children with autism and learning disabilities. They hope Harvey can start at their top choice later this year.

She added that Harvey’s autism means loud noises and slamming doors can cause him to lash out unpredictably, headbutting walls and smashing windows. Now, with Harvey 6ft 2in and almost 29st, it is too hard for 5ft 4in Katie to calm or restrain him.

Katie thanked those who had sent her supportive messages on her decision, tweeting: 'Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support over the last few days it means a great deal to myself and Harvey.'

The pair are set to feature in their own documentary on the BBC. Katie Price: Harvey and Me on BBC One, Monday 25th January at 8:30pm.

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