Date published: 13 June 2016 by Anna Jackson

As any parent can vouch, having children is a rollercoaster ride. I am a very proud father to four energetic girls. I’m 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 an immensely proud supporter of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, a charity that helps families caring for a seriously ill child. The charity provides emotional and practical support wherever and however it is 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 donating via the website because the dads feel it too.

Austin Healey

Former England Rugby player and Rainbow Trust Ambassador

*Text costs £3.00 plus your standard network rate. Click here for full terms and conditions.