TV star Jaquie Brown discovered very early on in parenthood how it feels to have a sick child – her baby Leo spent his first two days in hospital with breathing problems. While many Kiwi celebs are reluctant to put their children in the public eye, Jaquie is just one of a line-up of famous faces, including Lucy Lawless, Keven Mealamu and Trelise Cooper, who have offered a glimpse of their family life for For the Love of Our Kids, a collection of photos and stories about what their children mean to them, published in association with the Starship Foundation.
There’s even a special snap of megastar Justin Bieber after he visited Starship Children’s Hospital during his New Zealand tour last month. “Any parent could end up with their child in Starship, and that’s something that’s really hit home for me,” says Breakfast presenter Toni Street, who finishes on air this week to go on maternity leave. “I visited some of the sick kids last Christmas, which was heartbreaking, but you know Starship is the best place for them.”
**Jaquie Brown with son Leo (photographed at 17 months)
**Jaquie has worked as an actress, television and radio presenter and recently published her first book, I’m Not Fat, I’m Pregnant. Her son Leo had to spend the first two days of his life in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Auckland City Hospital. It was an extremely emotional and frightening time for Jaquie and her husband Guy, but the care Leo received helped him become the happy, healthy boy he is today. Jaquie says, “Having a child means everything: responsibility, devotion, fun and making tiny sandwiches.”
Tiki Taane with son Charlie Te Marama
**Tiki Taane with son Charlie Te Marama (3)
**The multi-platinum, award-winning singer says, “I had been living a very rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle for many years before my son was born. He made me reassess the way I was and gave me an incredible amount of positive direction, responsibility, and accountability. Being a parent means unconditional love. It means a bloodline that continues the past, present and future. It means unforgettable experiences and magical moments that only my son and I will ever share.”
Toni Street pregnant with her first child
**Toni Street pregnant with her first child
**The bubbly co-host of TVNZ’s Saturday Breakfast show and One News sports reporter gave up the opportunity to travel to London to report on the 2012 Olympics due to her pregnancy – a big call that was tinged with regret for the huge sports fan and experienced reporter. But family comes first for Toni, and the long work hours and flights could have placed too much stress on her body and baby; she knows a far more valuable experience awaits her later in the year. “The hardest thing about pregnancy is trying to contain my excitement… patience isn’t my strong point!”
For the Love of Our Kids ($45 plus postage) is available for preorder. Visit starship.org.nzfor details.
