Christine McGuinness has honoured her father, Johnny, who has overcome his heroin addiction after four decades.
The 35-year-old model uploaded a touching photo montage of them together over the years, highlighting the 62-year-old’s fragile appearance prior to his recuperation.
Christine has previously talked about heroin addiction, revealing that her mother, Joanne, abandoned her father when Christine crawled over a needle on the floor as a youngster.
The Games host has stayed close to her father, but she has admitted that there were times when she feared he might die as a result of his addiction.
However, she explained that her father is now in recovery and is the ‘happiest and healthiest’ she has ever seen him.
‘Trigger warning. For all the times I’ve said what I thought was our last “goodbye” today was the best Hello,’ Christine wrote on Instagram.
Along with the photos, the mother of three sent a song by Honestav called ‘I’d rather overdose,’ which includes lyrics about the impact of addiction on family members.
Christine continued: ‘My dad is the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever seen him, my dad is off heroin. I never thought I’d say those words.
‘If you love someone in recovery, never lose hope, it’s never too late. My dad is 62, he’s been an addict for 4 decades and now he’s a big strong 16st man!
‘Dad, I am so proud of you.’
She started the video with Johnny looking much healthier, which her ex-husband Paddy McGuinness praised as he wrote: ‘His belly is everything! Good lad J.’
After 11 years of marriage and three children, the couple divorced in 2022. Despite this, they continue to live together, and their young children are reportedly ignorant of their separation.
Insiders say the model’s ‘gloves are off’ and she’s ‘had enough’, ready for a court battle in official divorce procedures, especially now that she’s dating someone new.
This might explain why she just replied with a heart emoji to Paddy, 50, on Instagram.Along with her estranged husband, close friend Vicky Pattison commented: ‘Love you and your dad so much.’
Broadcaster Eamonn Holmes said: ‘Feel your happiness and pride Christine. Well done Dad.’
In a particularly moving comment, Stephanie Davies from Coronation Street and Hollyoaks – who has struggled with alcohol addiction in the past – shared: ‘So amazing to see this! What a gift recovery is!
‘Made me emotional, having this illness is the worst thing to battle and go through and so many are tragically took by this disease. Miracles do happen.
‘So so happy for you and your amazing dad! Thank god for the 12 steps and fellowship.’
Source My Celebrity Life.