Manchester-based actors, national and local experts gathered to raise awareness on International FASD Day of the risks of alcohol and pregnancy and the need for diagnosis and support for people with FASD
For immediate release
9/9/2025
(Manchester) – Several well-known Manchester-based actors took to Exchange Square to help raise the profile of the need for better support for those with FASD, an overlooked neurodevelopmental condition that is caused by alcohol-exposed pregnancy. In Greater Manchester alone 1,400 18-year olds are entering adulthood without diagnosis and support. The actors, who said that they hadn’t known enough about this issue, met with people with FASD, their families and national experts from the Greater Manchester FASD Network and The National Organisation for FASD. The event sponsors seek to highlight the gap in local commissioning for FASD diagnosis and support, as well as the continued need for funding for FASD services across all localities, given statistics that show more than 40% of UK pregnancies are alcohol-exposed and an FASD prevalence rate of 2-4% of the population according to a gold-standard study done in Salford.
Katie Liddle who coordinates the Network said, “We have been increasing awareness across the localities but the more we talk with people with FASD, their families and professionals, the more we hear about the importance of meeting the needs of this overlooked population.” Susan McGrail from FASD Greater Manchester said, “Families living with FASD across Greater Manchester urgently need better understanding and support.”
People with FASD emphasise how important it is that they have diagnosis and support as they enter adulthood. Georgia Roberts, a young adult with FASD says, “When people turn 18 everyone’s expectations change. Without a diagnosis it can seem even more complicated. Absolutely everyone needs to understand how FASD affects adults, so people with FASD might be correctly identified. Then the right informed support can given that will allow the thousands of people who have FASD in Greater Manchester to learn successfully self advocate.”
TV Actors add their voices to raise awareness
Olly Rhodes (Waterloo Road, The Last Kingdom, All Creatures Great and Small) said “I didn’t realise at first that FASD was so common, I don’t actually think I had heard of it properly before becoming involved with this event and the charity, but it’s such an important issue to tackle and I look forward to continuing the conversation on and raising awareness surrounding the risks of alcohol consumption whilst pregnant.”
Zak Sutcliffe (Waterloo Road, Hollyoaks, The Last Kingdom, Seven Kings Must Die) said, “I’ve only heard very minimal information about FASD in the past, I’m thankful to the charity for letting me support as I learn.”
Fintan Buckard (Phoenix Rise, Coronation Street) says, “I’ve actually grown up knowing about FASD, of course because my mum works in the field. So when I end up telling my friends about the condition it’s always the first they’ve ever heard of it. The lack of knowledge around this condition is poor and the topic was barely skimmed over in school, as brief as ‘heavily drinking alcohol during pregnancy can give birth defects’ which is outdated! So I’m very happy to be at this event and spread awareness about the risks of alcohol and pregnancy and FASD.”
Cory McClane (Waterloo Road, Hollyoaks), said I’m honoured to be backing a cause that shines a light on the impact alcohol can have during pregnancy. It’s shocking how little awareness there is around FASD, despite how common it is. This event is a great opportunity to connect with the community, hear personal stories, and support the incredible work the charity is doing to educate and inform
Lauren Patel (Wallace and Gromit, Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, Waterloo Road) “I had no idea FASD was so common. I’m grateful to be invited to attend and support the charity in their important work.”
Liam Scholes (Waterloo Road, Coronation Street) also helped to raise awareness about FASD.
National FASD’s Chief Executive Sandra Butcher said, “We are so honoured these actors have joined us to highlight the need for more information and support about FASD. It’s a sign that times are changing when those in the spotlight are willing to shed light on the needs of people who are too often overlooked and in the shadows in our society. Greater Manchester has led nationally on FASD prevention and response, but even here and especially in the current financial climate, leaders need to understand how spending money now on FASD prevention and support will save them money in the long run.”
Susan McGrail from FASD Greater Manchester also said, “At present, there are no clear FASD pathways, leaving parents and carers to navigate diagnosis and care alone. FASD is a lifelong condition, yet families face delays in recognition, limited services, and a lack of joined-up care. With the right early help, education, health, and social care support, children and young people with FASD can thrive — but without it, families are pushed into crisis. Greater Manchester now has the opportunity to build on important foundations already laid around alcohol exposed pregnancies and initiatives like Drymester, creating FASD pathways and ensuring that no family feels isolated or left behind.”
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Media Contact: Joanna.Buckard(a)nationalfasd.org.uk
Media note: As an organisation we have been inspired and encouraged by the GM-based family of former Race Across The World Star Sam Gardiner, who in the wake of his tragic death in Stockport last summer have led a national effort to encourage people to contribute a Just Giving fund for National FASD in his honour. That fund is nearly £35,000 with Gift Aid. https://www.justgiving.com/page/sam-gardiner” Please also note that the Greater Manchester FASD Network is funded by the NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care System and run by the National Organisation for FASD in cooperation with a local steering committee that includes FASD Greater Manchester.
