Becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest challenges – with sleepless nights and constant worry, it can be exhausting.
And while NewsTalk ZB host Francesca Rudkin certainly hasn’t escaped any of those pitfalls, creating her village with her best friend Louise Ayrey has made the joy of parenting much easier to find.
“As soon as anything new pops up, I immediately call Lou and ask, ‘Is this normal?’ You always need someone whose kids are a couple of years older than yours to reassure you,” Francesca laughs.
“Our friendship is one of those relationships that comes along and you’ve got to treasure and look after, and never take for granted.”
Francesca, 50, and Louise, 51, met 13 years ago when their kids became fast friends at kindergarten. As they met up for playdates, they realised it wasn’t just their children who shared a kinship. Both are avid runners, and when they survived the 100km Oxfam challenge together, they knew this would be a friendship for life.
Francesca shares Oscar, 16, and Lola, 14, with her partner Tim, 52, and Louise shares kids Ted, 19, Mae, 16, and Henry, 14, with her partner Pete, 54. Together with their families, the pair have been through everything from navigating motherhood to the grief of losing family and even a cancer battle. But each hurdle has only served to make their friendship stronger.
In 2016, Louise was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. When she went in for an ultrasound to have the diagnosis confirmed, it was Francesca who watched her children and from that moment on, the former TV host was by her side every step of the way.
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin March 20, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin March 20, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK