Words by Smiley Team
Most famously known for hosting Take Me Out, Paddy McGuinness and his wife Christine have launched a podcast which aims to shine a spotlight on the everyday highs and lows faced by families raising disabled or seriously ill children.
The podcast series launches as new research reveals almost half of all UK families say they're unaware of the challenges faced by families raising a disabled or seriously ill child.
The six-part podcast series will see Paddy and Christine meet families supported by national charity Family Fund for a virtual, round-the-table chat, as they share honest personal stories of family life and the little moments that matter.
McCain has teamed up with Family Fund to provide a voice to families raising a disabled child – and lsteners are encouraged to donate. The podcast – called Table Talk with Paddy and Christine – is out now and available on all major streaming platforms.
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Paddy and Christine McGuinness recently took part in a documentary, which saw the couple lift the lid on their personal experiences as a family with three autistic children.
“As many people have seen, myself and Christine are on a journey of learning about autism and other disabilities and listening to other families," said Paddy, "and hearing their important stories has made me realise how vital it is to properly highlight the real issues that families across the UK face.”
Family Fund’s mission is to improve the lives of families on low incomes raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.
The national charity helps families in hardship and crisis, with support and information – including grants for items such as kitchen appliances, clothing, bedding, furniture, family breaks, computers and tablets, sensory toys and more.
The ongoing impact of the pandemic, rising financial pressures and additional ‘disability price tag’ costs mean hundreds of thousands of families are in need of urgent help. Over the past year the charity has helped more than 124,000 families, but there are still an estimated half a million more UK families who could access its grants and services.
Cheryl Ward, group chief executive at Family Fund, said: "Changing perceptions, and providing opportunities to talk openly about the reality of life for families on low incomes raising a disabled or seriously ill child, is urgently needed , which is why this podcast series is so important.
“The commitment shown by our partners McCain, Paddy and Christine, to sharing families' personal stories, and learning more about the challenges that matter most to them, will really help to increase people's understanding.
"I hope it will also encourage more families to come forward for support with everyday essentials that Family Fund can provide, whilst highlighting the continued financial support needed for us to help even more families."
LISTEN: You can listen to the podcast on Buzzsprout, or any other major streaming platforms.
DONATE: Support and donate to Family Fund.
GET INVOLVED: Find out more about the partnership with McCain and how your family can help.
