Helping others came naturally to Neil Harvey. As a paramedic with Lambton County Emergency Services for nine years, his role as a first responder began much earlier in life, when he joined the Volunteer Fire Department in Ilderton, ON, at the age of 18. In 2020, Neil was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), resulting in him having to step away from the job he loved. The constant stress also resulted in Neil’s marriage falling apart and his life going into a tailspin.

Neil found hope in #IVEGOTYOURBACK911, a St. Thomas, Ontario, peer support group dedicated to assisting first responders struggling with PTSD. Through their service dog training program and with the assistance of The Phoenix Canine Initiative, Neil was able to purchase his support dog, Nash.

Nash gave Neil a reason to get up, a partner who depended solely on him, and as time passed the training that Nash was receiving with Neil demonstrated how beneficial this relationship was going to be for Neil’s recovery.

Neil had a setback just before Christmas, 2021, and contacted a drug supplier. Unbeknownst to Neil, what he purchased had something additional laced in it. On December 21, 2021, Neil died from an accidental overdose.

To honour Neil and to assist other first responders in their PTSD journey, all proceeds from Harv’s Hike will go towards supporting first responders struggling with PTSD and their families, and to help other first responders purchase a support dog.