Christine McGuinness has shared a touching account of the moment she saw her father, who had been battling heroin addiction for 40 years, walk unaided for the first time.
The TV star revealed that she was initially taken aback and rushed to assist him, as she had only ever seen him leaning on a walking stick, being supported by others, or in a wheelchair. She expressed her surprise at seeing a tall, robust man walking normally towards her for the first time in her life.
Her father Johnny, 62, had struggled with heroin addiction since before Christine, 36, was born, but finally managed to overcome his addiction this year. Recounting the emotional moment when she realised he was now free from drugs, Christine said: "The first time I've seen my dad clean properly was this year, and he stood up and walked towards me for a hug."
"And I've never seen him just stand up unaided before. It just took me back a bit and I panicked a bit and went 'Are you ok? ' and went to hold him, because wherever I've seen him before I've had to hold him or get a walking stick or he's been in a wheelchair."
Christine described the emotional moment her heroin clean dad stand up unaided for the first time and walk over to give her a hug (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Johnny, 62, had been battling heroin addiction for 40 years, since before Christine, 36, was born (mrscmcguinness)She added: "There was just this big, strong man standing in front of me, and I kind of couldn't believe what I was seeing. He's 16 stone, he's about 5ft 11. He was always slumped over and quite weak before", reports the Daily Star.
Paddy& Christine McGuinness reunite for New Year's Day family outing
"It was like looking at a brand new person. He's always had his personality, but now it's just so much better. And he's so happy - that's the best thing. I love that he's healthy, but seeing him just really, really happy is amazing."
"He's in his sixties now and hopefully he's got a good few years left in him and he can enjoy life. I love seeing him, we laugh so much more, we talk a lot more."
When asked by podcast host Spencer Matthews about the most challenging aspect of her father's addiction, she revealed: "Seeing other people with their mums and dads. So even just on parents' evenings mine was always just my mum. Father's Day, never ever done a Fathers' Day card. Christmases obviously, no dad around."
When questioned about how her mother feels about her dad's recovery and their renewed relationship, Christine described it as all "positive". Earlier this year, Christine shared an emotional update on her father and his battle with addiction.
On Instagram, she wrote: "My dad is the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever seen him, my dad is off heroin. I never thought I’d say those words. If you love someone in recovery, never lose hope, its never too late. My dad is 62, he’s been an addict for 4 decades and now he’s a big stong 16st man! Dad, I am so proud of you."
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