Harv’s Hike kicks off Saturday to help support first responders with PTSD – London | 24CA News
The first-ever Harv’s Hike will happen this Saturday simply north of London, Ont., to lift cash for service canine coaching packages in reminiscence of an area paramedic.
The hike is being hosted in reminiscence of Neil Harvey, who labored with Lambton County Emergency Services for 10 years earlier than taking a go away after being identified with post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD) in 2020. One 12 months later, Harvey died simply 4 days earlier than Christmas.
Harvey’s household says he was very outgoing and at all times energetic each time attainable, whether or not at school performs or on sports activities groups. But above all else, he favored serving to individuals, which performed a component in his becoming a member of the volunteer fireplace division in Ilderton, Ont., whereas nonetheless in highschool.
“He was always interested in service to others,” says Janice Harvey, Neil’s mom.
Janice says after going to post-secondary faculty and seeing the job marketplace for full-time firefighters as not excellent, her son transitioned to the paramedic service world.
But like many first responders, Harvey’s work took a toll on him, resulting in a PTSD analysis. After his analysis, Harvey’s father, Steve, says he struggled with lonesomeness and maintaining his thoughts and physique occupied.
“The whole condition of PTSD is a very lonely condition,” mentioned Steve, including that the stigma round PTSD usually ends in individuals isolating themselves to keep away from others discovering out.
Steve says after a while and exploring for assets, Harvey discovered IveGotYourBack911, a peer help group from St. Thomas that helps first responders coping with psychological well being points.
The group launched the concept of a help canine for Harvey to assist him. With coaching for service and help canine costing between $3,000 and $50,000, Harvey acquired help from IveGotYourBack911 and The Phoenix Canine Initiative, which presents the help program, to have the ability to afford his canine, Nash.
Steve says Nash served as a “loneliness filter” for Harvey.
“Nash would give Neil an opportunity to care for something, to have a purpose and get up in the morning,” mentioned Steve.
“They were a great pair right from the time Nash came along.”
Janice provides that Nash was a wonderful approach for his or her son to get his ideas in a extra optimistic house to use the teachings realized from his counsellors.
“It was truly going to be a difference,” mentioned Janice.
Unfortunately, the time between Harvey and Nash – and the remainder of his household and mates – could be minimize quick. After struggling a setback in his journey residing with PTSD, Harvey contacted a drug provider in December 2021.
The provide offered to Harvey was laced with fentanyl, and he subsequently died of an unintended overdose on Dec. 21, 2021, on the age of 39.
But by way of the heartbreak of shedding their eldest baby, Janice and Steve say they wish to assist different first responders get the identical alternatives their son obtained with Nash.
“The cost makes it such a daunting commitment, but it makes such a difference,” says Janice.
So, the concept of Harv’s Hike was born to honour Harvey and assist help his friends.
“We want to be able to provide those with PTSD and their families a friendly, strong community who are there to emphasize and support them,” mentioned Steve.
This Saturday, the hike can be hosted at Medway High School and neighbouring Weldon Park in Arva, simply north of Masonville. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the hike kicking off at 9 a.m. Along with the hike, which Steve says isn’t intense and is doable for anybody, there can be meals vans and video games.
Registration prices $30, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to The Phoenix Canine Initiative to help extra first responders to get the care Harvey acquired.
More details about Harvey’s story and the hike might be discovered at harvshike.com.
If you or somebody you recognize is in disaster and desires assist, assets can be found. In case of an emergency, please name 911 for fast assist.
Crisis Services Canada’s toll-free helpline gives 24-7 help at 1-833-456-4566.
Kids Help Phone operates a toll-free helpline at 1-800-668-6868 with 24-7 help for younger individuals in addition to the Crisis Text Line, which might be reached by texting HOME to 686868.
The toll-free Hope for Wellness helpline gives 24-7 help for Indigenous Peoples at 1-855-242-3310. Online chat providers are additionally out there.
Trans Lifeline operates a toll-free peer help hotline for trans and questioning individuals at 1-877-330-6366.
For a listing of help providers in your space, go to the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention at suicideprevention.ca.
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