Adam Henson, the popular presenter of Countryfile, recently shared a touching story about welcoming a new addition to his family during the festive season. In his book, Christmas on the Farm, Henson recounted the moment he brought home a kitten, which he initially feared might cause “heartache” for his wife, Charlie Henson, and their two children, Alfie and Ella.
The story unfolds during a time when Adam was struggling to find the perfect Christmas gift for Charlie. In his search, he visited a local farm where the owner had a litter of kittens for sale. Despite the family’s prior decision to refrain from adopting another cat following the death of their beloved pet, Percy, Adam felt the urge to surprise Charlie with a kitten. “Desperate as I was for an idea for Charlie’s present, these kittens seemed a good idea,” he explained.
After some effort, Adam managed to catch one of the kittens, despite their initial reluctance. However, he quickly realized that the cat was in poor health. “She was sneezy and her little tummy was bloated; she was a sad spectacle,” Adam wrote. The farmer expressed concerns that the kitten might not survive, yet Adam decided to take her home, stopping for emergency supplies along the way.
A Mixed Reaction from the Family
Upon bringing the kitten home, Adam presented her to Charlie, who had mixed feelings about the unexpected gift. “Much as she loves cats, she was worried about this sad, sneezy little specimen,” Adam reflected. He acknowledged that he might have brought home “a lot of heartache” for Charlie and the children.
Adam’s apprehensions deepened when a veterinarian visited later that day to assess the kitten’s condition. Nevertheless, against the odds, the kitten thrived and transformed into a “beautiful, fluffy cat” that the family named Twiglet.
Though Adam identifies more as a “dog person,” he noted that Twiglet quickly became a cherished member of the family. With Alfie at six years old and Ella at ten at the time, he felt the timing was right for a new pet. “The children loved her to bits,” he said, praising Twiglet for her ability to adapt to life on his farm in Gloucestershire.
A New Chapter for Twiglet
Twiglet’s arrival marked the beginning of a joyful chapter for the Henson family. She went on to have two litters of kittens, with one of her offspring, named Frank, staying with the family. Adam’s story highlights the unexpected joys of family life and the love that pets bring.
As a prominent figure in the agricultural community, Adam Henson is well known for his role as the presenter of Countryfile. He gained fame through a nationwide search for presenters and has since become a beloved face in British television.
Fans can look forward to seeing Adam back on their screens in the special episode, Countryfile’s A Cornish Christmas, airing at 17:05 on December 21, 2023, on BBC One. Alongside fellow presenters Matt Baker and Anita Rani, Adam will explore the festive traditions of Cadgwith, further connecting viewers to the warmth of Christmas in the countryside.
This heartwarming tale serves as a reminder of how unexpected additions can bring love and joy, even when they come with a touch of uncertainty.
