A Darlington family grieving the loss of their son have been honoured by the prime minister for turning tragedy into life changing charity work.
Kelly and Michael McWilliams were welcomed to 10 Downing Street by Darlington MP Lola McEvoy in recognition of the powerful impact of the Harvey McWilliams Foundation created in their son's name.
Harvey, aged 18 and a future doctor in the making, took his own life in December 2021.
A passionate Sunderland fan, he had played for Darlington's Academy and later the Exeter Panthers while he was at university.
Since losing him, Michael and a growing community of supporters have pushed relentlessly to raise awareness for people battling mental health struggles through the power of football.
The foundation gives free football boots and kit to those who cannot afford them opening the door to the physical and mental benefits Harvey cared so deeply about.
On International Men's Health Day, November 19, Darlington MP Lola McEvoy brought the family to Downing Street and organised a tour of Parliament to mark their work.
Michael said: "We are changing lives and making a huge difference in the community all down to Harvey.
"He was so kind and caring and put everyone before himself. He always said that football should be for everyone and not just those who can afford it and always gave his older boots away to others who needed them.
"This is where our inspiration came from for the foundation in his name. It is like he is still out there helping everyone.
"When we take a step back now and look at what we have done in these four years since we lost Harvey it seems surreal.
"Emotionally its hard and it can be tough still but to be recognised for the work we are doing is like Harvey is still helping others, something he loved doing, and this was just an opportunity we could not turn down to tell the story of Harvey. It was an absolute honour and a privilege."
Michael added: "To go through what we have been through losing a son and also the abuse we have got online it is now just an amazing feeling to be recognised nationally for our work and especially by the prime minister.
"We still have a lot more to do and a lot more people to help but just to see the difference he is making to so many children across the North East is great and keeps us going."
At the meeting, Mr Starmer praised Harvey's parents for their determination and the difference they are making.
Michael added: "We spoke to the PM and many high up MPs to highlight all the work that needs doing for mental health, domestic violence and online abuse- issues important to us.
"People can't just get away with these things by posting abuse online and if we can't get justice from that now then we need to change things so that others in the future can."
Looking ahead Michael is working with Lola to get football boots into more Darlington schools giving children early access to the game Harvey loved.
They also hope to strengthen signposting to support services while expanding their growing community work.
Since 2021, Michael and the foundation have walked from Darlington to Exeter, as well as countless other charity walks in memory of Harvey, hosted a large scale boot clean to provide more football boots to children in the community, as well as continued to support many people through offering them the chance and outlet to play football - something that always helped Harvey.
Ms McEvoy said: "It was a joy to invite two incredible people to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister and talk about the amazing work they do in Darlington around mental health and access to sport in Harvey’s memory.
"It was an honour to stand with them as we marked the first-ever Men’s Health Strategy, a commitment to reducing the stigma around mental health and encouraging everyone, not just men, to speak openly about their problems and recognise that seeking help is a sign real of strength.
"Michael and Kelly did our town proud, they did everyone who has ever struggled proud, and above all, they did Harvey proud."
READ MORE:
- Memorial walk for young Darlington footballer who took his own life this month
- Huge turn out for charity walk in memory of Darlington 18-year-old
- Joy as Darlington charity completes annual 33-mile walk for mental health awareness
If you are in need of support you can contact the following:
- Samaritans are available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258
- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58
- People should call NHS 111 and select the mental health option if they’re experiencing a mental health crisis.
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