Former England football sensation Michael Owen has opened up about the profound impact of his son James's rare eye condition, Stargardt disease, on their family. Diagnosed at age eight, James, now 20, navigates life with clinical blindness, relying primarily on his peripheral vision. This personal revelation offers a glimpse into the challenges and unexpected joys the Owen family has experienced, showcasing James's remarkable resilience and positive outlook.
Former England Star Michael Owen Details Son's Vision Impairment Journey
In a heartfelt discussion on the "Great Company" podcast with Jamie Laing, Michael Owen, the acclaimed former England footballer, provided an intimate look into his son James Owen's battle with Stargardt disease. The rare, inherited ocular disorder, which manifests as fatty deposits accumulating on the central part of the retina, began affecting James's vision at a tender age. By the time he was eight, the diagnosis confirmed the condition, progressively leading to a significant loss of central vision, leaving James with only peripheral sight.
Owen candidly admitted to experiencing a period of self-reproach following his son's diagnosis. "It's shocking, and you blame yourself for it," he shared. However, his perspective has since evolved. He now treasures the unique and deepened connection he shares with James, highlighting how daily tasks, such as reading restaurant menus or assisting with food preparation, have become precious moments of father-son bonding. "I get to spend three times more with my lad because he's got an eye condition. Now I might be a selfish b***ard, but I think that… I love it. I wouldn't want it any different, and of course I would give my eyes to him in an instant if we could swap, of course I would, but let's take the positives," Owen reflected, underscoring a powerful shift from sorrow to gratitude.
The journey of James's diagnosis began when a primary school teacher first noticed his difficulty seeing the classroom board. Subsequent comprehensive testing revealed the presence of Stargardt disease, a condition affecting approximately one in ten thousand individuals globally. Owen recounted the initial emotional toll: "When he first got diagnosed I remember stopping in the car about three or four times and just bursting out crying, thinking what's his life going to be like?" Yet, James's unwavering spirit has been a constant source of inspiration. "He is so bright. He is almost self-taught. He doesn't sit back and pity himself. In fact, it's quite the opposite, he gets out there and he laughs at himself," Owen proudly stated.
Despite early aspirations to emulate his father's football career, James's dream was curtailed by his deteriorating vision. "To have that realisation it's not possible, it kills you. It used to break my heart coming back every day from school, I just used to cry and think life was unfair," James confessed in their new docuseries, "Meet the Owens." Michael Owen now hopes James will join him at Manor House Stables, his racing and breeding enterprise near Chester, acknowledging James's potential contributions. James, in turn, expressed profound appreciation for his father's words, stating, "I'm quite blown away that he would say that, he'd never say that stuff to your face - it's really thrown me through a loop. I'd hate for people to feel sorry for me, I've still got the stuff that matters, a loving family and such a good model for a dad, it makes me really happy."
The six-part docuseries, "Meet the Owens," produced by Whisper and now streaming on Prime Video, offers an intimate portrayal of Michael, his wife Louise, and their four children—Gemma, James, Emily, and Jessica. The series delves into their lives, balancing a demanding horse racing business with the dynamics of a bustling family home, where each child pursues their unique aspirations. Michael Owen's narrative is a testament to embracing life's unforeseen challenges with love, resilience, and a profound appreciation for family.
This story of Michael Owen and his son James offers a poignant reminder of the strength found within families when facing adversity. It underscores the importance of adapting dreams and finding new paths when original ones become inaccessible. James's determination, despite his condition, serves as a powerful inspiration, highlighting that true resilience lies not in the absence of challenges, but in how one confronts and thrives despite them. It also speaks to the transformative power of a parent's love and support, turning a perceived setback into an opportunity for deeper connection and understanding.
