“I want the world to be kind to James”
Colin Farrell has announced that he is setting up a foundation in honour of his son James, who suffers from a rare condition called Angelman syndrome.
James, who turns 21 next month, is non-verbal and was diagnosed with the neurological disorder from a young age.
In an interview with People, the Irish actor announced he is launching the Colin Farrell Foundation to provide support for adult children who have intellectual disabilities through advocacy, education and innovative programs.
“This is the first time I’ve spoken about it, and obviously the only reason I’m speaking is I can’t ask James if he wants to do this,” he opened up.
Colin Farrell sets up foundation in honour of son with rare condition
The Banshees of Inisherin star, who had James with model ex-girlfriend Kim Bordenave, said that his son and people like him have “earned the right to have a greater degree of individuality and autonomy on life, and a greater degree of community.”
During the interview, the Dubliner got emotional when he recalled James’ first steps just before he turned four, saying it was a ‘magic’ moment.
Farrell added “that if James knew getting his photograph in the back garden with me, which is not my favourite thing to do, if us doing this could help families and other young adults who live with special needs, he would say, ‘Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you even asking me? It’s a no-brainer'”.
“So that’s why we’re doing it,” he continued. “This is all because of James – it’s all in his honour.”
Farrell also announced last month that he will be running the upcoming Dublin Marathon in October for his close friend Emma Fogarty, who is Ireland’s longest-surviving person battling the most severe type of agonising skin condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
‘Emma’s Run to 40’, which celebrates the Laois woman’s 40th birthday, will see Emma joining him for the final stages in a wheelchair.
