In a deeply emotional Christmas surprise, former glamour model Katie Price left her mother and fans in tears by presenting a gift she described as offering 'a bit of freedom and independence'.
A Tearjerker Reveal on the Isle of Wight
The 47-year-old shared the heartwarming moment in a YouTube vlog on Tuesday, documenting festive celebrations with her family at her mother's home on the Isle of Wight. Katie warned viewers they 'might need a few tissues' for the 'tearjerker' footage.
Joined by her children—Princess, 18, Junior, 20, and eldest Harvey, 23—as well as her boyfriend JJ Slater, Katie unveiled a motorised scooter for her 73-year-old mother, Amy. The gift was intended to replace her wheelchair and Zimmer frame, granting her a 'new lease of life'.
Amy's Health Battle and a Newfound Freedom
Amy was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2017, an incurable condition that scars and thickens the lungs, making breathing difficult. She underwent a life-saving lung transplant in 2022, but her mobility remains severely limited, often leaving her feeling 'stuck'.
In the video, Katie demonstrated how to use the scooter, showing her mother the controls for speed, brakes, and direction. When asked if she liked the present, Amy emotionally replied, 'Yes, I do, of course I do!' before breaking down in tears, prompting her grandchildren to rush over and embrace her.
'I'm going to have some fun on this,' Amy said while trying out the scooter, before getting choked up again. 'I'm just thinking of all the places I can go now. Gives your independence back a bit. That's what I need.'
Family Joy and Viewer Reactions
Speaking to the camera, Katie expressed her delight at her mother's reaction. 'Everyone's been happy this Christmas... And the best person, who's more happy, who deserves this, is mother. She's got a new lease of life. They are good, happy tears.'
The emotional moment resonated deeply with viewers, who flooded the comments section with praise. Many admitted they were also moved to tears, with comments such as 'I cried when I saw your mother's tears of happiness' and 'What a wonderful thoughtful present for mum'. One viewer who uses a scooter themselves added, 'When I got my scooter, it opened up my world... Your mum doesn't realise how much of her life will be better.'
Earlier this year, Katie had spoken on her podcast about the 'frustrating' nature of her mother's health challenges, noting that Amy's mind is 'still switched on' but she is unable to do the things she once could.
When first diagnosed, Amy was given a life expectancy of up to five years. By 2022, Katie revealed her mother had just 'two weeks left to live' before finding a donor. In a health update last November, Amy explained her recovery is a 'slow process' with setbacks, but she is moving 'in the right direction'.
The diagnosis has also impacted Katie's lifestyle choices. She has publicly vowed to quit vaping, calling it 'disrespectful' to her mother who has endured a lung transplant. Despite previous struggles to kick the habit, she recently stated that New Year's Day would be her final day vaping, declaring, 'I've got 48 hours left!'
This Christmas gift of a mobility scooter stands as a powerful symbol of regained independence for Amy Price, marking a festive season filled with hope and profound family love amidst an ongoing health journey.
