Kathryn is back working with Barnardos, which she admits puts everything into perspective, and feels lucky that her two daughters Ellie and Grace are doing so well
Kathryn Thomas(Image: Marc O’Sullivan)
Kathryn Thomas says “the days are long but the years are short” as her daughter Grace starts school later this year.
The TV and radio presenter shares daughters Ellie and Grace with husband Padraig McLoughlin and can’t quite believe how quickly the past few years have gone.
Kathryn says her friends who are mums can also relate.
She told RSVP Live: “The girls are great. The years are going by so, so quickly.
“Ellie is 8 and Grace is 4. Grace is starting school in September.
“A lot of my friends have kids who are a lot older than mine, because we were late to the table [having children].
“But the one message when I go out with the girls is the same – we all say how quickly the years have gone by.
“A lot of my friends, their kids went into secondary school last year, and my godson did his Junior Cert.”
Kathryn’s brother is home from Australia for a visit, and it has been nice for the family to spend time together.
“My brother lives in Sydney, but is home from Australia at the moment,” she said.
“Last weekend we all went down to my sister in Wexford.
“She has an eight month old and a three month old and then I’ve got my girls, and he noticed such a difference, not having been home in two years.
“No matter how many times you do the Zoom calls, the Whatsapps and all that, he couldn’t get over the girls.
“It was so nice to spend time with him. Where does the time go?
“The days are long and the years are short. Never a truer word spoken.”
Kathryn is once again an ambassador for Barnardos’ 23rd annual Big Toddle.
Thousands of children will be putting their walking shoes on to take part in Big Toddle sponsored walks in creches, communities and their own gardens across the country.
This much-loved campaign for pre-school aged children raises vital funds every year to support Barnardos’ Early Years Services.
This is Kathryn’s second year of being involved and it was a no-brainer for the Q102 presenter.
“I just think this is such a gorgeous campaign. It’s very simple but very effective,” she told us.
“It’s essentially to raise money for Barnardos’ early years services.
“They do amazing work with children and young adults, but this is primarily focused on the youngest people in their care.
“This money is raised by very young children, for very young children.
“Any preschool, creche, playgroup can do a toddle, whether it’s around their local park or playgroup.
“It’s very cute, and I’m delighted to be involved.”
As a mum, working on campaigns such as these puts everything into perspective for Kathryn.
“When you talk to the Barnardos team, you hear about the families they support and their stories, you hear about the children in need in this country,” she said.
“We talk about childhood poverty and the extreme conditions people are living in but, when you’re watching the news or reading the paper, those numbers can just start to sound like statistics.
“Working with Barnardos, you’re putting a face to them.
“These are families that are struggling, children that are being deprived of a childhood in a lot of instances.
“I think Barnardos do a really good job at shining a light on what’s happening in our town. or city.
“People are living in dire conditions which affects not only their mental health but their physical health as well.
“This is a fun campaign, but it reminds us of the people behind the statistics.”
If you would like more information on how to host your own Big Toddle, visit www.barnardos.ie/barnardosbigtoddle.
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