Roman Kemp, son of Martin Kemp, opened up about his father’s recovery from two brain tumors as part of BBC Children in Need’s Heaviest Backpack campaign. Roman reflected on his childhood worries in an emotional interview where he discussed his father’s “scary” health battle. Martin Kemp, known as Spandau Ballet’s bassist, was diagnosed with the tumors in the 90s and had to undergo radiotherapy and surgery. Roman looked at photos taken during his father’s recovery and expressed how precious they were to him, acknowledging the fear that they might never have existed.
Roman shared that although he had a happy childhood, things changed when he started secondary school. He mentioned that there was a shift in his life where he no longer had any worries and reflected on the carefree nature of his childhood. Roman also talked about his own struggles with mental health, revealing that he had experienced panic attacks and PTSD. He opened up about the difficult thoughts he had and how lucky he was to have his mother to confide in during those challenging times.
The Children in Need campaign, The Heaviest Backpack, aims to raise awareness about mental health issues faced by children and young people in the UK. It emphasizes the importance of positive relationships in protecting children’s mental health. The campaign features powerful films with celebrities like Roman Kemp, Vick Hope, Jamie Laing, Alex Scott MBE, Katie Thistleton, and Joe Wicks MBE reflecting on their childhood experiences. The goal is to start a nationwide conversation and provide resources to support children facing emotional and mental health challenges.
In the interview, Roman revealed the impact his father’s health battle had on him and how it influenced his own struggles with mental health. He talked about the negativity he felt despite living a life of luxury and privilege, emphasizing the importance of having someone to talk to about his thoughts. Roman highlighted the prevalence of mental health issues among children, with 1 in 5 facing such challenges. The campaign aims to ensure that no child faces their emotional and mental health struggles alone by providing resources for parents, carers, and other trusted adults to have conversations with children.
Roman’s candid interview sheds light on the complex emotions and experiences he went through during his childhood and how they contributed to his mental health struggles. By opening up about his journey, Roman encourages others to seek help and support when facing similar challenges. The Children in Need campaign serves as a platform to raise awareness, start conversations, and provide resources to address the growing mental health issues among children and young people. Through storytelling and reflection, the campaign aims to create a supportive environment for children to navigate their emotional and mental health challenges.
