‘I just want Harvey to be happy and HEALTHY'

Katie Price, 42, opens up about her eldest son and the day-to-day difficulties they face together as he prepares to start residential college

- HAYLEY MINN

As many will be aware, my 18-year-old son, Harvey, has Prader-Willi syndrome – a rare genetic disease that leads to excess eating and obesity [Harvey weighs 29st] – as well as autism.

I think because I’m a celebrity, people have this idea that I have carers looking after Harvey but I don’t. I’ve been caring for him since the day he was born and I’m a very hands-on and dedicated mum.

For Harvey, every day is completely different. He’s very lovable and very funny, but he is unpredictable. There will be a day where Harvey won’t kick off at all, then there’ll be others where he can kick off at anything – although usually, I can tell this is when he’s coming down with an infection.

Harvey has loved being in lockdown because he gets to see me all the time and he doesn’t have to get dressed. He absolutely loves walking around in his pants all day and I love having him about to, but he’s got to do his school work and it’s tough. Homeschooling is hard work, but with Harvey, it’s even trickier. Juggling his needs while getting him to do work isn’t easy.

I’m terrified of not being around for him. It’s awful, but I worry that if I go before him, he won’t cope. I know that he wouldn’t manage without me and it plays on my mind. I’m his everything and he wouldn’t understand why I wasn’t here anymore. That thought breaks my heart.

Growing up