Colin Farrell talks about his son’s rare illness as he joins Irish stars in video to help children’s charity

Irish superstar Colin Farrell has spoken about being a parent and said that ‘you will do whatever it takes to make your child better’.

Farrell and a range of Irish stars from the sports and entertainment worlds joined forces to support sick children and their families and raise vital funds and awareness of childhood illnesses this Christmas.

The campaign will raise money for the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation, Crumlin (CMRF Crumlin) who provide life-saving and life-enhancing treatment and care for children.

The campaign is called Childhood Illness Takes Too Much #WhateverItTakes.

Farrell’s oldest son James suffers from a rare genetic condition called Angelman syndrome.

Farrell said: “As a parent, you will do whatever it takes to make your child better, and you want to know that you have the best people around you, giving the best care, best knowledge, and best treatments.

“Some children are born fighting for their first breaths, and others fight all through their lives. Imagine not being able to breathe, or holding your tiny baby while they fight for every breath?

“New innovations in cardiology and cystic fibrosis can literally be life-changing for children, and we need to make that possible. We need to find answers for these children. I’m in. Whatever it takes.”

Farrell is joined by stars such as rugby ace Johnny Sexton, actors Domhnall Gleeson and Victoria Smurfit, musicians Andrea Corr and The Edge and presenter Laura Whitmore.

Once Upon a Time star Victoria Smurfit also has first hand experience in looking after a child with a rare illness. Her daughter Eve has Stargardt disease.

Smurfit said: “When your own kid is sick, the feeling of being out of control is very difficult. It’s really hard, because your natural instinct as a parent is to protect your kids, and not being able to do this is hard.

“You place your trust in, thankfully, very capable hands, but stepping back and not being the boss is tremendously hard. Any time I’ve been in need of our great hospitals, I’ve been overwhelmed by how much they do, and how much they need our support to continue the essential work they do.

“The spirit of Crumlin is so positive and upbeat in the face of such potential and real pain. The only time a parent is truly vulnerable and pained is when their child is struggling.”

Last year’s campaign raised over €11.9m and they are hoping to reach €12.5m this year.

The money will be spent on paediatric research, purchasing life-saving equipment and putting more support in place for sick children and their families.

Take a look at the video below.

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