BBC Radio 2 star Jo Whiley discussed the family’s tough decision to place her sister Frances into a Mencap-run home, as well as her worries about Frances’ wellbeing
BBC Radio 2 star Jo Whiley shared a positive update with fans after her sister was moved into a residential care home. She said her sister, Frances, who has a rare genetic disorder called cri du chat syndrome, is in the best place of her life after moving into the home.
Jo discussed the family’s tough decision to place Frances into a Mencap-run home as well as her worries about Frances’ wellbeing. She revealed: “So many people who were carers or had children or siblings in care said it was such a relief to see that, because it is so hard relinquishing someone you love to somebody else’s care.
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Speaking to Saga Magazine, the radio star continued: “You worry so much. The one constant throughout my life is whether Frances is happy, and that awful feeling of, ‘Oh God, is she being looked after?'”
“We’ve tried many different homes. Frances doesn’t sleep easily – she won’t sleep in her bedroom, she has tantrums, so you need a place that’s very tolerant of challenging behaviour and knows how to manage things like her running away.
“But right now she’s probably the best she’s ever been.”
Earlier this year, Jo took to her Instagram page to share a video one of the care staff took of Frances listening to Jo’s BBC show while sitting at the dinner table with a couple of Furby toys on the table.
Jo captioned the post: “I just wanted to share this because it’s so lovely and brilliant on many levels. My sister Frances lives in a residential care home. One of her brilliant support workers, Sarah sent me this film of Frances listening to my radio show last week.
“She heard me say it was Peter Gabriel’s 75th Birthday and then play ‘Don’t Give Up’ so you can hear her say ‘Happy Birthday Gabriel!!’ and then she sings along to the song accompanied by her beloved day-glo Furbies who look like they’re really going for it!
“Fantastic heart-melting stuff that I just wanted to share. Glimpses of life like this is invaluable to anyone who has a family member living in the care of others.”
The star continued: “If you do work in the care system – please know you are massively appreciated and the role you play in the lives of families is huge.“Also the power of music and radio to bring joy and connectivity – never to be underestimated.”
Fearne Cotton, Davina McCall, Rachel Pridmore, Gaby Roslin and more took to the comment section to share their support for Jo, with Gaby writing: “This is beautiful.”
“I work in the care industry, and feel it’s a pleasure and honour to work with the people I do!! I love the feeling, some days, of going home and feeling I’ve made a difference to someone’s life,” one person commented.
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