Tears were shed as The One Show and presenter Alex Jones surprised the mother of Morgan Ridler, a little boy who tragically passed away at the age of three from cancer. Natalie and Matt Ridler, from Swansea, were given recognition on The One Show as part of a ‘big thank you surprise’ for their outstanding charity work. After the loss of their son in June 2023 to a rare and complex form of cancer, the Ridler family’s determination to help others led Natalie to establish Morgan’s Army. The charity has raised over half a million pounds to support families facing similar challenges in south Wales, becoming a touching tribute to their son’s memory.
The One Show crew visited Cardiff to film Natalie at the Chapter Arts Centre under the guise of a local news story interview. Unbeknownst to Natalie, she was later invited to join the cast of Pobol y Cwm, Wales’ longest-running soap opera, at an exclusive Bafta Cymru screening. During the interview about the charity, a surprise unfolded as Sue Roderick, a star of the show, acknowledged Natalie’s dedication and contributions. The heartfelt moment included a personal shoutout from Sue, alongside messages of gratitude from beneficiaries of Morgan’s Army and One Show host Alex Jones.
Matt Ridler shared the challenges they faced after their child’s cancer diagnosis, noting the impact on their lives. He expressed pride for Natalie’s strength in founding the charity and the significant progress it has made in supporting families in need. The Ridler family’s resilience and generosity were further acknowledged when they were honoured as the Courageous Family at the Child of Wales awards. The emotional moment on The One Show culminated in an invitation for the Ridlers to witness the filming of Pobol y Cwm in the upcoming year.
The heartwarming surprise on The One Show spotlighted Natalie Ridler’s remarkable efforts to create a positive impact in the face of their personal tragedy. Their journey, from grief to proactive charity work, serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the power of resilience and altruism in the midst of adversity. The Ridlers’ dedication to helping others and keeping their son’s memory alive through Morgan’s Army continues to touch hearts and make a difference in their community.