BBC Radio 2 presenter praises care staff and shares emotional insight into sister’s progress
BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley has revealed that her sister Frances is now “the best she’s ever been”, after moving into a residential care home run by the learning disabilities charity Mencap.
The 59-year-old presenter has long been an advocate for people with learning difficulties, speaking openly about her younger sister, who lives with cri du chat syndrome – a rare genetic condition that affects development and communication. In a recent interview with Saga Magazine, Whiley candidly discussed the journey she and her family have been on in seeking the right care for Frances, and the emotional complexity that comes with entrusting a loved one to residential support.
“So many people who were carers or had children or siblings in care said it was such a relief to see that,” she said, referring to Frances’ recent progress. “Because it is so hard relinquishing someone you love to somebody else’s care. You worry so much. The one constant throughout my life is whether Frances is happy, and that awful feeling of, ‘Oh God, is she being looked after?’”
The presenter acknowledged the challenges of finding a facility that could properly accommodate her sister’s specific needs. “We’ve tried many different homes,” she explained. “Frances doesn’t sleep easily – she won’t sleep in her bedroom, she has tantrums, so you need a place that’s very tolerant of challenging behaviour and knows how to manage things like her running away. But right now she’s probably the best she’s ever been.”
Earlier this year, Whiley posted a touching video to Instagram showing her sister joyfully listening to her radio show. The clip, which received an outpouring of affection from fans and carers alike, featured Frances reacting to a Peter Gabriel track, enthusiastically wishing the singer a happy birthday and singing along, flanked by her beloved collection of brightly coloured Furbies.
“I just wanted to share this because it’s so lovely and brilliant on many levels,” Whiley wrote in the caption. “One of her brilliant support workers, Sarah, sent me this film of Frances listening to my show. She heard me say it was Peter Gabriel’s 75th birthday and then play ‘Don’t Give Up’. You can hear her say ‘Happy Birthday Gabriel!!’ and then she sings along to the song accompanied by her beloved day-glo Furbies who look like they’re really going for it!”
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“Fantastic heart-melting stuff that I just wanted to share,” she continued. “Glimpses of life like this are invaluable to anyone who has a family member living in the care of others. If you do work in the care system – please know you are massively appreciated and the role you play in the lives of families is huge. Also, the power of music and radio to bring joy and connectivity – never to be underestimated.”
As well as reflecting on her sister’s journey, Whiley also touched on family life and the impending changes that come with her youngest daughter, Coco, preparing to head off to university. With her eldest daughter, India, having already flown the nest, she shared the mixed emotions that accompany this new phase.
“The first time I dropped India off I had to take a Valium,” she admitted. “I guess we’ll go and see friends and away for weekends to fill the gaps. But actually I’m very contented in my own company, pottering about. It’s more the anticipation of an empty nest.” Whiley’s heartfelt insights offer a moving tribute to the tireless work of care staff and the lifelong love and worry of family carers. Her words continue to resonate with families across the UK who face similar challenges and joys.
