LETTER: Back charity that supports ill children

I am a very proud father to four energetic girls.

I am incredibly lucky that my girls are all fit and healthy, although I know how helpless you can feel when one of your children is hurting even in a relatively small way: a knocked head; a broken bone or an achy fever. The dads feel it too.

As Father’s Day approaches, I find myself considering that unimaginable situation of having a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness – not knowing if your child will ever get better, or knowing that they never will.

I am a proud supporter of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, which helps families caring for a seriously ill child. The charity provides emotional and practical support wherever and however needed. Fathers often feel a pressure to be the strong ones and act like they are coping as their world falls apart.

Rainbow Trust can help by supporting every member of the family – even the ‘strong’ silent dads.

This Father’s Day please join me in supporting this charity and making a £3 donation by texting 70111* or visiting www.rainbowtrust.org.uk because dads feel it too.

Austin Healey

Former England rugby union star and Rainbow Trust ambassador