Colin Farrell ‘burst into tears’ when son took first steps at age 3 after devastating diagnosis

Colin Farrell recently shared a rare update on his son who lives with Angelman syndrome. He recalled his sons first steps and how he ‘burst into tears’ watching him.

20-year-old James was diagnosed with the rare neurogenetic disorder, Angelman syndrome when he was two. The disorder leads to significant physical and cognitive impairments, which Farrell said James has worked hard to overcome at different points of his life.

“I knew they were working on walking,” Farrell said in his cover story with People magazine, recalling a moment with James’ doctor, in 2006. “And I stood over there, and she let him go, and he just came to (me).

“It was so profound. It was magic. I’ll never forget just the face of determination on him as he walked toward me. He took, like, six steps, and I burst into tears.”

The proud father gushed that his eldest child, who he shares with ex-girlfriend, Kim Bordenavehas, has “worked so hard all his life.”

The Irish actor recently set up the Colin Farrell Foundation, with his sister Claudine as vice-president. According to their website, the foundation is dedicated to “transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative programs".

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He spoke about the lack of services available for young adults with special needs after they turn 21, resulting in them being “left behind.” The foundation, he said, is inspired by James, who he knows is more than happy to be a part of helping others despite living most of his life outside of the spotlight that follows his famous Dad.

“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".

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