In a raw and emotional interview, devoted father Michael McGlade has revealed the depth of his love for his severely disabled son, confessing he would "trade places in a second" to spare the 11-year-old boy his daily struggles.
A Father's Unconditional Love
Michael and his wife Leanne's world transformed when their son Riley was born with a rare chromosomal disorder that left him unable to walk, talk, or care for himself. The condition, so unique it doesn't have a formal name, means Riley requires round-the-clock care for every basic need.
"People see the wheelchair, the feeding tube, the medical equipment," Michael explains, his voice thick with emotion. "But they don't see the beautiful little boy who loves cuddles, who responds to our voices, who has his own way of communicating with us."
The Daily Reality of Care
The McGlade family's life revolves around Riley's complex needs:
- Constant monitoring of breathing and vital signs
- Regular suctioning to prevent choking
- Specialised feeding through a gastrostomy tube
- Frequent hospital appointments and therapy sessions
"We haven't had a full night's sleep in eleven years," Michael admits. "But the moment you see his smile, every sacrifice feels worth it."
A Desperate Plea for Support
Beyond sharing their personal story, Michael is determined to highlight the gaps in support for families caring for severely disabled children across the UK. The family recently faced the heartbreaking possibility of Riley being taken into residential care due to insufficient local support services.
"The system is broken," Michael states firmly. "Families are being pushed to breaking point because the help simply isn't there when you need it most. We're not asking for miracles - just the basic support that allows us to keep our son at home where he belongs."
A Message of Hope Amid Struggle
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the McGlade family's story is ultimately one of profound love and resilience. Michael's final words resonate with every parent who has faced adversity: "I'd take every bit of his pain, every struggle, every limitation if I could. That's what love is - wanting to carry the burden for someone else."
Their journey serves as both a touching tribute to parental devotion and a urgent call to action for improved disability services nationwide.
