Strictly Winner Chris McCausland Opens Up About Heartbreaking Moment with Daughter
Chris McCausland, the acclaimed winner of Strictly Come Dancing, recently opened up about his emotional journey as a father. He shared poignant moments with his 13-year-old daughter, Sophie, that highlight both his struggles and joys of parenting.
Heartfelt Reflections on Fatherhood
In his memoir, *Keep Laughing*, McCausland discussed the feelings of guilt he experienced upon Sophie’s birth. His own childhood memories, filled with vivid experiences like visiting funfairs and enjoying football matches, made him question whether he could provide similar moments for his daughter.
Chris, who is visually impaired due to Retinitis pigmentosa, feared his blindness would limit their shared experiences. “I thought that my blindness would preclude me from being able to do the things I thought a proper dad should do,” he expressed.
Understanding Children and Resilience
Sophie has shown remarkable resilience, growing up with a clear understanding of her father’s condition. McCausland recounted a particular incident that revealed this realization. One day, while searching for one of Sophie’s plastic beakers, he faced an unexpected question from her.
When instructed to help her father find the cup, Sophie asked, “You can’t find the cup, Daddy? Because your eyes are broken?” This moment forced Chris to reassess how he viewed himself and his abilities as a father.
Concerns Over Genetic Inheritance
Beyond emotional challenges, Chris also worried about passing on his condition to Sophie. Retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary disorder, leads to progressive vision loss starting in childhood. Fortunately, he shared good news, confirming Sophie appears unaffected.
- “It has now been several years since we passed the point at which the symptoms of my condition should have made themselves known,” he stated.
- “The coin landed favourably this time, and if she hasn’t got it, she can’t pass it on.”
Over time, McCausland has reconciled his initial guilt, acknowledging that while there are limitations, both he and Sophie are unbothered by them. Their bond remains strong, rooted in understanding and love.
