'Inspirational' Harvey to carry Olympic flame

SIX years ago Harvey Jackson's life hung in the balance.

The 15-year-old was in a critical condition after being struck down by a potentially fatal kidney disorder.

His parents Gary and Angela were told to expect the worst.

But now the South Hunsley School pupil will run with the Olympic Torch through Brough after making a remarkable recovery.

He said: "I feel really excited to be doing it.

"When I was ill I didn't think about it and tried to get on with things.

"I did think 'why me'? It just came on suddenly and I didn't know why."

Harvey will run 300 metres with the flame at 7.30am on Tuesday, June 19.

His proud parents and sister Abbie, 14, will be there cheering him on.

His dad said: "I am very proud of him.

"He is an inspiration. I don't think he realises that just now, but he is."

Harvey was diagnosed with the condition, called nephrotic syndrome, while a pupil at Newport Primary School.

It meant his kidneys were failing.

"He became ill and we thought he had a cold," said Gary.

"But within 48 hours he was so unwell he was given little chance of survival.

"They diagnosed nephrotic syndrome and told us he was in a high-risk group.

"The likelihood of him becoming more seriously ill was very real.

"At that point they were only talking about transplant or death.

"I can remember sitting by his bed one night when he was asleep and my thoughts went to the fact that it would be better for him if he did not wake up, he was that ill."

Harvey remained in a critical condition for 11 days with the youngster facing the prospect of a limited future if he survived.

Eventually, the medication started to have an effect and his condition improved.

"He became a bit of a medical miracle," said Gary.

"He came out of it with just medication, no transplant.

"He was discharged and was under the specialist for another 18 months.

"He had to have a salt-free diet for that time and there were all sorts of strange things we had to do to look after him.

"He just took it in his stride.

"We had a couple of scares where the condition re-occured. But he is now 100 per cent fit.

"When I think back, it is emotional, but to see him as he is today, here, it is better than winning the lottery."

Before he became ill, Harvey had been very active.

Gary Said: "Not only has he gone back to playing sport.

"But he has far exceeded what I ever thought possible – he truly is inspirational.

"Harvey plays football for a local team, runs for a local running club and is dedicated to cycling."

Harvey will be one of ten torchbearers in Brough, before the flame makes its way towards Goole.