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Posted on Monday 16 January 2023
PC Harry

A bereaved little boy had his day made yesterday when police officers gave him a special visit. 

Harry Farrell was just four years old when his dad, Craig Farrell, passed away last May aged just 39. 

He also left behind stepdaughter, Molly and former partner, Emma Overton, with the whole family left devastated by his passing. 

Having been so impressed with the way he dealt with the death of his dad at such a young age, Santa decided to bring little Harry his most wished for present at Christmas - a miniature police bike. 

Videos of Harry proudly riding his new bike around his street were seen by PC Phil Skevington, from Durham Constabulary’s Motorcycle Section. 

After hearing about his story and what Harry had gone through over the last seven months, he decided to organise a little surprise visit for him.  

On Sunday, PC Skevington, together with fellow Durham PCs, Sam Oliver and Ian Calvert, and Cleveland Police officer, PC Andy Pickering, asked Harry to lead them on a special patrol. 

His mam, Emma, said: “It was such a nice surprise for him, he was completely shocked when all the officers turned up. 

“He had such a great time leading them around our street and posing for pictures with them. 

“Last week, Harry had told my mam that he was going to be a teacher when he is older, but now he says he is going to be a police officer!” 

She added: “I can’t thank Phil enough for organising this and taking such an interest in Harry. The police often get a lot of bad press, but things like this show that they are human and they really do care about their communities.” 

Harry, who turned five in December, happily led the four officers on a patrol of his cul-de-sac, posing for pictures with his new colleagues and talking to them about being police officers.

PC Skevington said: “After hearing what Harry had gone through last year, we just wanted to help bring a little bit of cheer and make him smile. 

“We did a few laps of his cul-de-sac, posed for some photos, and gave him a few mementos, including his own Durham Roads and Armed Policing badge to add to his police vest. 

“He had a great time – and so did we. It’s lovely to be able to do something nice for someone who has been through such a tough time recently, especially so young.”

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