‘Harvey was our rock star' – Parents of boy (9) who waited years for scoliosis surgery vow to continue campaigning after his death
'We have to continue to campaign for other kids, because if we didn't we would be doing Harvey a disservice.'
'After a while we will go strong again in our campaign. There are so many other children like Harvey and families like ours who need help and support,' Mr Morrison said.
'Harvey was our Little Rock star, he would burst into a room, he wanted to let everyone know he was in the room.
'Anyone who met him said he had these big wide beautiful eyes that would draw you into him, a lot of people said to us that they felt like Harvey was here before, that he was an old soul.'
'Harvey was battling for so long, we are absolutely devastated,' Stephen said.
Little Harvey's remains will repose at Massey Bros Funeral Home, Clondalkin, Dublin, from 3pm-5pm, Friday, August 1.
Harvey will be remembered at a public cremation service, at Newland's Crematorium Chapel, Newlands Cross, Dublin, (D22 EOCO), at 1pm, Saturday.
Harvey, from Clondalkin, was waiting three years for scoliosis surgery as the curvature on his spine continued to extend to a life-threatening 130 degrees.
The spinal curve grew so serious that it was crushing Harvey's ribcage and lungs and putting severe pressure on his heart.
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His severe condition was highlighted in February 2024 when his parents, Gillian Sherratt and Mr Morrison, shared a heartbreaking video of their vulnerable son struggling to breathe due to the curve on his spine.
The boy's story of perseverance in the face of his worsening condition and delays in his surgery, as well as growing spinal waiting lists for children's surgery nationally, were all later highlighted in the Dáil.
Despite long demanding action over their son's surgery, Ms Sherratt discovered during a routine enquiry last August that, in fact, Harvey had been removed from Children's Health Ireland's active scoliosis surgical waiting list without their knowledge.
While not directly involved in their son's care, orthopaedic surgeon David Moore, emailed Ms Sherratt in response and told her: "I apologise for any misunderstanding that appears to have occurred in respect of Harvey's case."
Mr Moore also explained in the email that Harvey was not a candidate for surgery abroad, but that he was "happy to facilitate' Harvey being reviewed by two Irish-based surgeons.
Harvey eventually had his surgery last December, however as his curve had grown to such a significant size, it was impossible to completely correct it.
Professor Damian McCormack, lead consultant surgeon in paediatric orthopaedic surgery at Temple Street Children's Hospital, performed the surgery reducing some of the pressure on the boy's lungs and heart.
Ms Sherratt said at the time that she and Mr Morrison had 'huge respect' for Prof McCormack, and that they were 'so thankful to Professor Damian McCormack for being the only person that was actually willing to operate on Harvey'.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ms Sherratt said: 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that myself and Stephen (Morrison) have to announce that our little rockstar Harvey passed away this morning with us by his side, arrangements to follow and it will be open to any and all of you who have supported him throughout his short life.'
In a poignant joint tribute to their son, in his obituary notice, they wrote: 'Words cannot convey the heartbreak we feel in announcing that on 29th July after a very short illness, our little rockstar Harvey passed away in the arms of mum and dad.'
'He will be dearly missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know him…In his short life Harvey faced more challenges than most, and was the bravest, strongest and most courageous boy.'
'To know him was to love him, and he definitely left his mark on this world. 'If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever'.'
Harvey's parents invited friends and the wider public 'to join us to celebrate Harvey's life, and dress in colour' at his cremation service, and they asked that mourners make a donation, if desired, to Child Vision In Memory of Harvey, in lieu of flowers.
Harvey Morrison Sherratt is survived by his parents Gillian and Stephen, his sister Lyla and brother Remy, grandparents Ann, Gordon, Christina and Thomas, and his aunts, uncles and cousins.
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