Gemma Owen reveals how protective she is of brother James amid rare health condition
23.10.2023 - 17:41
/ ok.co.uk
Gemma Owen has revealed how protective she is of younger brother James, after he was diagnosed with a rare eye condition called Stargardt disease. Former Love Island star Gemma, 20, appeared on ITV's Loose Women on 23 October, alongside her 17 year old brother, who was diagnosed with the disease aged 7, which means he's now classed as 'clinically blind'.
The pair spoke to panelists Ruth Langsford, Brenda Edwards, Janet Street-Porter and Kelle Bryan, as they discussed James' condition and the effect that it's had on his life. James spoke about being affected by bullies, but credited his famous father, ex-Liverpool footballer Michael Owen, for getting him through some tough times.
As their mum, Louise, watched on proudly from the audience, Gemma spoke about how she stepped up to look after her brother when her mum was struggling emotionally. She also sweetly admitted that she is 'protective' of James, as she added: "I think at the start it was a little bit of a struggle, he had a few early years quite frustrated but he got to grips with it and is embracing it now.
"I am the protective big sister and seeing his mates having fun and games with him, I did get protective some times." James also discussed his 'heartbreak' as his 'dreams were crushed' because of his eye condition, as he had hoped to follow in the footsteps of his famous father and enjoy a career in professional football. He said: "I get asked all the time 'do I play football' and its heartbreaking because when I was younger I dreamed of being a footballer like my dad because he was my inspiration.
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