Being dad to a child with special needs

In this episode, Simon Mcmurdy and Gareth Birkett share their experiences as fathers of children with special needs and life-limiting conditions.

Simon and Gareth had previously worked together and ran into one other in a hospital corridor, when they recognised they shared a common bond. They share firsthand accounts of the difficulties encountered, first with Simon and his daughter Olivia, and later with Gareth and his son William. The discussion covers all aspects of their experiences, from the practical obstacles of adapting a home to accommodate a child who requires round-the-clock care to figuring out how to manage a new 'normal' for themselves and their partners. 

As well as the practical side of things, they also examine the emotional fallout and day-to-day stress and how it can manifest itself as extreme health conditions for them as parents. They also discuss what they wish they'd known at the time that they know now, what support is available (e.g., Swan UK), and where it isn't, and pass on invaluable advice to anyone in the same situation.

Gareth then talks about the side effects of using traditional blended diet food for feeding tubes, and why he and his wife decided to create a completely new line of organic real food that is already having a huge positive impact on the health and overall well-being of children like William and their families.  For more information visit Wilbo's Blends.