Kate Ferdinand, the former TOWIE star, has launched a new platform called Blended to offer support to blended families, drawing from her own experiences as a step-mother. The 30-year-old, married to former footballer Rio Ferdinand, announced the initiative on Instagram, highlighting the challenges she faced when becoming a step-parent to Rio's three children: Lorenz, 15, Tate, 13, and Tia, 10.
In her announcement, Ferdinand recalled feeling isolated and unsure where to turn when she first became a step-mother. She noted that the family's journey has been particularly complex following the death of the children's mother, Rebecca Ellison, in 2015. Ferdinand and Rio also have a one-year-old son, Cree, whom she described as the 'icing on the cake' for their blended family.
Ferdinand wrote on Instagram: 'Being a step mum to three children who have been through so much and a husband who's wife passed away brings a unique set of challenges.' She added that there have been 'many times' she felt lost and confused, and that she realised there is a real need for a place to connect and get advice from others in similar situations.
The Blended platform aims to be a safe space for sharing experiences and advice, with Ferdinand promising to share personal stories and professional guidance. She launched the platform in December, noting that it is a particularly hard time of year for many blended families. Rio Ferdinand expressed pride in his wife's project, calling her 'a blessing' in a comment on her post.
