How animals helped me cope after crash
His collection of budgies helped him get through his father's recovery from a horrific crash and now he is preparing to star in his own television show.
Five-year-old Harrison Colwell has had a tougher year than most youngsters, as his father Mark spent three weeks in hospital with 21 broken bones and punctured lungs after being knocked from his bicycle and run over by a car in March.
The family bought some budgies to take Harrison's mind off his father's injuries – and the collection has now swelled to 16, with two cockatiels.
His mother Sarah applied for him to take part in a show on CBeebies called My Pet and Me, and the makers were fascinated by the care he takes for his beloved birds and selected him.
They spent three days filming at the family home in Wedges Mill, Cannock, and their episode is expected to air on television on December 11.
Some of the birds are kept in an outdoor aviary, but the programme focuses on four budgies that stay indoors called Parma, Lemonade, Charlie and Tommy.
Mr Colwell is still recovering from the crash that occurred in in Bognop Road, Essington in March.
He was cycling to South Staffs Water's headquarters, where he works as an engineer, when a car knocked him to the ground.
It is believed another car following behind then rode over his chest and head, He suffered a broken collarbone and his lungs collapsed three times.
Police officers had told Mrs Colwell to expect the worst when they visited her home minutes after the smash.
It was a traumatic time for Harrison and his mother says the budgies were crucial in helping him get through it. Mrs Colwell, 31, said: "We have been to hell over the last year and the fact Harrison has been chosen for the show is fantastic for him.
"He is a very special little boy and has been through so much. The budgies have been something for him to focus on while his dad has been in hospital.
"It's amazing that Mark is doing so well now and we are so glad to be at home as a family."
And Harrison has been telling all his friends at Havergal CE Primary School in Shareshill about his starring role.
"He keeps saying 'I'm going to be on television' so everyone knows about it," Mrs Colwell added. "Even when we go to the shops he is telling strangers that he is going to be on the show.
"He is so excited and we can't wait to see it," she added.
It is thought some of the sequences featuring the budgies will be turned into animations. It is part of a new season of pet-themed programmes launched by CBeebies.
Mrs Colwell added: "The budgies really helped Harrison get through the last few months. Hopefully we are through the worst of it now."
Though his parents admit they are not the typical pets for a five-year-old boy, they say each bird has a different personality to keep him entertained.
The family also have two dogs – a golden labrador and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Tia Maria – and two tortoises.
Mrs Colwell added: "The dogs came first and then we started getting the other pets as well. There's a lot to look after but we love it." Mr Colwell was having an operation on his knee today and has recently had his collar bone reconstructed. He is now back at work part-time and is going through regular physiotherapy and rehabilitation, with the majority of his broken bones having healed.
The family say they are now looking forward to spending Christmas together and are feeling positive about what the future holds.
Police appealed for the information on the crash at the time, but no criminal charges have been brought.
