Colin Farrell's heartbreak

Oct 16, 2007, 8:30 GMT

09/11/2007 - Colin Farrell - The 32nd Annual Toronto International Film Festival - \'Cassandra\'s Dream\' Movie Premiere - Roy Thomson Hall - Toronto, ON, Canada © Solarpix / PR Photos

Colin Farrell's four-year-old son suffers from Angelman Syndrome.

The Irish actor has revealed that youngster James was born with the genetic disorder, which affects only 1 in 12,000 people and leaves its victims barely able to walk or talk.

Angelman Syndrome also causes frequent fits and seizures, but sufferers tend to have a smiling, happy demeanour.

Farrell said: "With my son the only time I'm reminded that there is something different about him - that he has some deviation of what is perceived to be normal - is when I see him with other four-year-olds.

"Then I go, 'Oh yeah', and it comes back to me. But from day one I felt that he's the way he's meant to be.

"I am incredibly blessed to have James in my life. He has shown amazing courage and he is an incredibly happy boy despite everything he has faced."

James took his first steps just weeks ago, leaving his father weeping with pride.

Farrell, 31, added to the Irish Independent newspaper: "He spent four years working his a**e off for that moment. When he took the first steps it was incredibly emotional, there wasn't a dry eye in the house."

Colin - who has joint custody of James with his mother Kim Bordenave - wants to make sure his son achieves "his individual potential".

He said: "I have never thought of my son as being someone with a disability. It goes back to special needs and what is a disability and what isn't."

(C) BANG Media International