The ramble will be filmed and broadcast in a special programme ‘The Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need’ on Sunday 1 November on BBC One.
Over the last five years, Harvey has had to come to terms with the loss of his older brother Ed who died in 2015. Together they both shared a passion for farming and the great outdoors. To help Harvey deal with the loss of his brother at such a young age, he found the support he needed at Treetops Hospice Care in Derbyshire. Treetops provides one-to-one counselling for those affected by bereavement in a non-judgmental space where Harvey has built confidence and is able to speak honestly.
Treetops Hospice Care provides counselling and emotional support to children, young people, adults and families who are dealing with a life-limiting illness or bereavement. The charity supports young people like Harvey with their emotional wellbeing, giving them the tools they need to be open about their feelings and helping them live with the loss of their loved one into the future.
I’m so happy to be taking part in something I know will go on to support others who, like me, have had to deal with bereavement and the loss of someone close
Despite the challenges he has faced, Harvey’s passion for farming continues and he enjoys spending the holidays helping out on his great uncle’s farm. Ahead of the ramble, he said:
“I can’t wait to get going with my ramble. I really enjoy being in the outdoors and spending time with Matt Baker and the Countryfile team will be a great experience. I’m so happy to be taking part in something I know will go on to support others who, like me, have had to deal with bereavement and the loss of someone close.”
We are all so proud of him and what he will achieve
Harvey’s Mum, Amanda, added:
“Harvey is a great lover of farming and being outdoors in the open air. I know he will enjoy taking part in this year’s Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need immensely. As a family we’re so grateful for all the support Treetops has provided us and Harvey. We’re thrilled Harvey will be joining Matt on this ramble, and we are all so proud of him and what he will achieve.”
Treetops care packages for bereaved children
Treetops Hospice Care currently receives a grant of £30,000 from BBC Children in Need over three years. Funding provides counselling sessions for children and young people who have lost someone close to them. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the charity received an additional grant from BBC Children in Need of £4,500 to provide care packages for bereaved children and young people – the care packages help to support young people’s emotions in a healthy way, and aims to increase self-esteem and confidence.
Since the Countryfile Ramble began in 2015, ramblers have raised more than £7.9million for BBC Children in Need. Unlike previous years, the presenter-led rambles will be closed to members of the public due to restrictions surrounding COVID-19. However, Countryfile is once again calling on the British public to get walking, talking, rambling and ambling for BBC Children in Need by going on their own small, safe socially-distanced sponsored rambles for the charity. Further information on how to get involved and ramble safely (including links to the latest Covid-19 Government guidance), can be found on the Ramble Hub.
The rambles will take place on 10 and 11 October and they will be broadcast as an extended programme: The Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need, on BBC One, Sunday 1 November.
Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions and those who’ve been bereaved. Last year, the hospice supported over 1,800 patients and their families across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Treetops is doing all it can to continue to support those in most need. The hospice welcomes donations to their Treetops COVID-19 Appeal to ensure the future of the hospice and its services.