I‘m having the time of my life... I love being a grandma
FORMER CORRIE STAR KYM MARSH CHATS TO LISA SALMON ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY, MEN’S HEALTH AND LIFE IN LOCKDOWN
FAMILY holidays have always been special for Kym Marsh – and now they’re even better because as well as her children, she can share them with her precious little grandson too.
Although the 45-year-old former Coronation Street actress has just got engaged, she isn’t planning a romantic getaway with her fiancé Scott Ratcliff, 32, but a staycation with her whole family.
The getaway will include Scott, her two grown-up children and their partners, her 10-year-old daughter Polly, two-year-old grandson Teddy – and hopefully her mum and dad.
“On family holidays it’s just a given that we’re all going together, that’s never changed – when we go away there tends to be all my family,” says Kym, who now presents Morning Live on BBC One.
“We took Teddy on holiday the year before last, but he was a tiny baby, so I’m looking forward to this year as I’ll be able to do more things with him, because he’s two. He’s walking around and more interested in things in general, so it’ll be great.”
“I absolutely love being a grandma,” she says. “People who’ve got grandchildren said, ‘Wait till you’ve got your own grandchild, it’s such a great feeling’. You never think you’re going to be able to love anybody the way you love your kids, but oh my goodness it’s a whole different feeling and it’s just the best thing ever. I’m really enjoying it and having the time of my life.”
The glamorous granny says she’s been “very fortunate” to be able to see little Teddy a lot, as she’s been in a childcare bubble with him for much of the lockdowns.
“Looking after him and taking care of him has been wonderful,” she says. “Obviously there was a little bit of time when childcare bubbles weren’t in place and I wasn’t able to see him, and that was tough,” she admits.
And like mums and dads up and down the country, Kym found herself having to be a teacher during lockdown. “I’m not on my own when I say it’s been difficult – home schooling was a tricky thing to do and I don’t think anybody would disagree with me on that,” she says.
“But my son still lives at home with his girlfriend, and my little one’s at home, obviously. (And) as I was in a bubble with my grandson too, I feel like I’m one of the lucky ones.”
She’s also been able to spend more time with her army major partner Scott, who proposed on her 45th birthday on June 13.
When Scott came back from Afghanistan he was supposed to start staff college. “But obviously all colleges and schools were closed, so Scott and I have spent the best part of a year together which never normally happens.
“It’s not been easy, don’t get me wrong, trying to juggle everything, because I’ve been working all the way through the pandemic, and while I’ve been lucky to be doing that, it’s been difficult trying to juggle looking after Polly.
“But we’ve made good of the situation – there wasn’t a lot open for kids to do, so you’ve got to make your own fun.”
There has also been sadness for Kym and her family as her dad has recently been diagnosed with pros
tate cancer. Dave, 76, delayed going to the doctor about his symptoms during lockdown, and his cancer has now spread. Kym wants to encourage other people not to delay going to the doctor if they have worrying symptoms, and says: “My dad’s been brave about speaking out about his cancer and making it public.
“He wants to get the message out, there have been a lot of appointments missed during the pandemic, a lot of people have been afraid to get checked, but now more than ever it’s really important that we’re encouraging people to call or see the doctor if they need to. Go and have your checkup, it’s so important.
“My dad always said that men tend to be more stubborn, they don’t go to the doctor or talk as much, and he’s just trying to encourage them to please go. Don’t cancel, don’t put anything off, just listen to your body and go. It’s really, important that we get the message out there for men to get checked.”
Because of everything that’s happened, the family holiday this year is more important than ever.
“I’d really love to take my mum and dad away, and that’s why I’m being careful looking at what we’re doing,” says Kym, “because I need to make sure that not only is it family-friendly but that it’s friendly enough for dad because he’s very limited in how he can walk at the moment.”
“We were originally booking to go abroad, but decided we weren’t going to take a chance on that, and we’re currently looking for a UK holiday.
“It’s the big holiday of the year, so it’s really important that we look for things that cater for everybody. We’re not just talking about the children, we’re talking about the older kids as well, and Teddy the baby.
“I really like the idea of Cornwall – I’ve been there before and my dad’s side of the family are all from Cornwall and we love it. I think it’s beautiful and I know there’s a lot of things for children to do there, so we may look at that.
“I’ve also heard good things about Scarborough – it’s a good old-fashioned seaside town which you can’t go wrong with. And when we were kids we used to go to North Wales all the time, in a caravan or cottage. But I think we’d like to try something different this year.”
Obviously the UK weather is never going to match up to the usual holiday hotspots favoured by Brits, but Kym says: “That’s just something you have to accept. You hope for the best, but that’s why you do your research so that even if the weather’s bad you’ve got something to do.
“It’s going to be difficult finding a holiday that caters for everyone, but it’s always been like that with us –we’ve always had to make sure there’s stuff for teenagers, for the little ones. I quite like a spa or somewhere I can go and relax. It’s making sure there’s something for everyone.”
Kym Marsh has teamed up with family holiday rental firm Vrbo to launch the Family Friendly Destination competition and find the best UK destinations as voted for by families.
To vote and get the chance of winning £1,000 towards a Vrbo holiday, visit Vrbo (vrbo-ffd.co.uk)