Tears flowed as a touching surprise unfolded on The One Show, involving Alex Jones and a dedicated mother, Natalie Ridler, who tragically lost her three-year-old son, Morgan, to cancer. The Ridler family, hailing from Swansea, faced heartbreak in June 2023 when Morgan passed away from a rare and complex form of cancer just before his fourth birthday. Despite their loss, Natalie Ridler was determined to help other families enduring similar struggles in south Wales. In memory of Morgan, she established the charity Morgan’s Army, which has raised over half a million pounds, creating a lasting legacy for their beloved son.
The heartfelt work of Natalie Ridler and her husband, Matt, caught the attention of The One Show, leading to a special recognition as part of the show’s ‘big thank you surprise’ segment. The television crew headed to Cardiff to film Natalie at the Chapter Arts Centre under the guise of a “local news story” interview. Unbeknownst to Natalie, she was then invited to a Bafta Cymru screening of the soap opera Pobol y Cwm, a show she admires, alongside its cast.
During the surprise, Sue Roderick, a prominent star from Pobol y Cwm, praised Natalie’s dedication to raising £500,000 for families and children impacted by cancer. The emotional moment culminated in a personal shoutout to Natalie and an invitation for her family to visit a filming session of the show in the upcoming year. Matt Ridler expressed his pride in Natalie, highlighting her resilience through grief and the phenomenal impact of Morgan’s Army in supporting families facing similar challenges.
The heartwarming recognition for Natalie and Matt follows their recent honour as Courageous Family at the Child of Wales awards. The touching tribute on The One Show showcased the unwavering strength and compassion of the Ridler family in turning their personal tragedy into a force for good. For those wishing to learn more about Morgan’s Army or contribute to their cause, further information can be found on their website.