BBC Radio 2 star Zoe Ball has bravely shared intimate details about her son Woody Cook's ongoing health struggles, revealing the 22-year-old battles a rare condition that causes debilitating joint pain and mobility challenges.
In an emotional and candid discussion, the 53-year-old broadcaster disclosed that Woody lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues throughout the body.
The Daily Struggle Behind the Smiles
"It's been incredibly tough watching him go through this," Ball confessed, her voice filled with maternal concern. "Some days he can't even get out of bed because the pain is so severe. As a mother, it's heartbreaking to see your child suffer."
The condition, which affects approximately 1 in 5,000 people worldwide, causes hypermobile joints that can dislocate easily, chronic pain, and fatigue that significantly impacts daily life.
A Mother's Protective Love
Ball, who also shares daughter Nelly with ex-husband Fatboy Slim, described the emotional toll of watching her son navigate his health challenges while trying to maintain a normal life.
"You want to wrap them in cotton wool and take all their pain away," she shared. "But Woody is so resilient - he faces each day with incredible courage, even when he's in agony."
Raising Awareness Through Personal Experience
The television personality explained that she decided to speak out about Woody's condition to help raise awareness about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and support others facing similar battles.
"So many people suffer in silence with invisible illnesses," Ball emphasized. "If sharing our story helps even one family feel less alone, then it's worth being open about our journey."
Woody, who has followed his famous mother into the entertainment industry, has been learning to manage his condition while pursuing his career ambitions, demonstrating remarkable strength in the face of adversity.
Looking Forward with Hope
Despite the challenges, Ball remains optimistic about her son's future, praising the medical professionals who have supported their family and the growing understanding of rare conditions within the healthcare system.
The family's openness about their health struggles provides a powerful reminder of the very human stories behind celebrity headlines, showing that even those in the public eye face private battles that test their strength and resilience every day.
