Christine McGuinness has shared a fresh update on her dad's addiction recovery as she told fans 'it feels like a dream'. The model and TV personality took to Instagram to share a sweet snap with her dad a few months after revealing he is now clean and in recovery.
Christine, 36, previously opened up to fans to share how her dad Johnny's heroin addiction stretched back four decades – and that every time she saw him she thought it would be the last. Sharing a post to Instagram in February, the mum-of-three reminisced over past memories with her dad and shared a picture of them now, with him looking healthier and happier than ever.
The former Real Housewives of Cheshire star wrote: "For all the times I’ve said what I thought was our last goodbye, today was the best hello. 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.”
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Christine continued: “If you love someone in recovery, never lose hope, it’s never too late. My dad is 62, he’s been an addict for four decades and now he’s a big strong 16st man!" She then concluded: "Dad, I am so proud of you."
Showing support to his ex, Paddy McGuinness was among the hundreds sending Johnny well wishes. The former Top Gear host said: “His belly is everything! Good lad J," to which Christine responded with red hearts.
Now, the mum, who shares twins Leo and Penelope and Felicity with Paddy, has shared a new photo showing that her dad is still 'happy and healthy'. The mum-of-three shared the gorgeous snap with her 739,000 followers on Instagram, which showed Christine and her dad both beaming with happiness as they wrapped their arms around each other.
The caption read: "My dad making my heart smile. It still feels like a dream seeing him happy and healthy, we just don’t stop laughing together! He is so full of life now, very proud daughter #AnythingIsPossible #AddictRecovery #ThisIsHappiness #Grateful #Blessed #Proud."
Taking to the comments section, one fan @hayleylongx wrote: "Love this soooooo much," as @pollyb2 wrote: "Blessed that Dad gets a second chance Christine," and @tevemichaeldavies said: "Beautiful picture of you and your dad ,Christine."
@reddublinrob_ commented: "All the best and health in the world for your dad," as @hairandmakeupbycoco wrote: "This makes me so happy," and @ydia_c1974 added: "Dads and daughters, a very different bond than with our mums but just as precious when you have that kind of love for each other."
Christine was recently seen in tears as she spoke about her fear of death on BBC Two's Pilgrimage, which sees seven well-known personalities, of differing faiths and beliefs, tackling a modern-day pilgrimage.
Sharing a short clip of the programme on her Instagram, Christine, who has autism as well as her three children, said: "I just don't know what I'd do without my kids. I don't know what I'd do without my babies. I just wanted to come back and look at the church again and really appreciate it, because I don't enjoy the feeling of death. As a mum it absolutely petrifies me. My biggest fear is leaving my children one day."
Where to get help for drug addiction
According to the NHS website, a GP is a good place to start.
They can discuss your problems with you and get you into treatment. They may offer you treatment at the practice or refer you to your local drug service. If you're not comfortable talking to a GP, you can approach your local drug treatment service yourself.
Visit the Frank website to find local drug treatment services. If you're having trouble finding the right sort of help, call the Frank drugs helpline on 0300 123 6600. They can talk you through all your options.
