A decade on from the death of Jade Goody to cervical cancer, her ex Jeff Brazier reflects on how he's helped their sons deal with their grief
This week marks ten years since the tragic death of reality star Jade Goody, who died from cervical cancer aged just 27. And while the nation was shocked when the mum-of-two died, no-one was more devastated than sons Bobby and Freddie, now 15 and 16.
Over the years their dad Jeff Brazier – who dated Jade between 2002 and 2004 – has spoken openly about how her death affected them and, a decade on, he admits their boys still struggle with their emotions.
A look back at all the celebrities we've lost this year
Celebrity Deaths 2019 - DON'T USE
1 of 11Annalise Braakensiek, 46
Former Play Your Cards Right model Annalise Braakensiek, who worked with TV legend Bruce Forsythe on the show, was found dead in her new house in January 2019. "Everything seems to feel twisted and upside down at the moment," she wrote on social media, shortly before her death. "Life's challenges have been deep, dark, difficult, demanding and down right scary lately."
2 of 11Martha Ross, 79
Jonathan Ross paid tribute to his mum Martha in January 2019 after she died aged 79, She played a stall-holder at Bridge Street Market in EastEnders.
3 of 11Karl Lagerfeld, 85
Fashion powerhouse and Creative Director of Chanel since 1983 and Fendi since 1965, Karl died in Paris in February following a brief period of ill health, continuing to work right up until his death.One of the most prolific and controversial figures in fashion, tributes have poured in for Karl following the tragic news. "Fashion show after fashion show, collection after collection, Karl Lagerfeld left his mark on the legend of Gabrielle Chanel and the history of the House of Chanel," Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel, said today. "He steadfastly promoted the talent and expertise of Chanel's ateliers and Métiers d'Art, allowing this exceptional know-how to shine throughout the world. The greatest tribute we can pay today is to continue to follow the path he traced by – to quote Karl – 'continuing to embrace the present and invent the future'."
4 of 11Peter Tork, 77
The bassist of 70's pop group the Monkees passed away peacefully at his home in February, aged 77. A statement from his family on his facebook page said,"Peter succumbed to a 10 year bout with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Peter's energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him. Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage.
5 of 11Albert Finney, 82
Legendary actor Albert Finney, who played Daddy Warbucks in Annie, died in February after "a short illness",
6 of 11Mark Hollis, 64
Founder and front-man of 80's synthpop band Mark Hollis died age 64 in February from unspecified causes, with tributes to musician pouring in on Twitter."RIP Mark Hollis. Cousin-in-law," wrote Anthony Costelloe. "Wonderful husband and father. Fascinating and principled man. Retired from the music business 20 years ago but an indefinable musical icon."And a former band mate said, "Musically he was a genius and it was a honour and a privilege to have been in a band with him."I have not seen Mark for many years, but like many musicians of our generation I have been profoundly influenced by his trailblazing musical ideas."
7 of 11Lisa Sheridan, 44
Actress Lisa Sheridan, best known for her roles in CSI: Miami and other US TV series', was found dead in her home aged just 44 in February.
8 of 11Janice Freeman, 33
Janice Freeman, of The Voice fame, has died in March age 33. Her cause of death is thought to be a fatal blood caught caused by an extreme case of pneumonia. "A survivor and fighter, and a beautiful force in this world, Janice gained notoriety through her success on NBC's 'The Voice' as a member of Miley Cyrus' team," a statement said. "Her story inspired fans nationwide, having successfully battled cervical cancer and living her life to the fullest while fighting lupus."
9 of 11Luke Perry, 52
Actor Luke Perry, who starred in Beverly Hills 90210 and Netflix hit Riverdale, has died from a stroke age 52 in March.
10 of 11Keith Flint, 49
Tributes from across the world of music and dance have poured in for The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, after he was found dead in his Essex property on Monday 4th March. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
11 of 11Mike Thalassitis, 26
Love Island 2017 cast member Mike Thalassitis was found dead in woodland near his home in Essex in March 2017.
Speaking at a talk organised by bereavement charity Grief Encounter last month, Jeff, 39, said: "We’re coming up close to the tenth anniversary, which is a really difficult time. It really stirs up so much in them [Bobby and Freddie]. You can see their behaviour is slightly altered as a result.
"They promise as teenagers that it isn’t impacting them, but you know better as an adult that it is... As a parent you want to protect and keep your kids away from pain. Ten years ago something happened that I couldn't take away, and it's been a crazy ten years. We've gone up, we've gone down, we've gone up... and that's pretty much on a weekly basis."
Every Christmas and on the anniversary of Jade’s death, Jeff – who's now a life coach - and his sons release balloons into the sky to remember her, but he said their grief is an evolving process.
He said: "I just want to get them through their childhood and to a point where they are able to express their loss. If they can do that, I feel like that my job’s done.”
Jeff – who married PR director Kate Dwyer last September, with his two sons as best men – added that they're open about their emotions.
He said: "It’s a subject that I now strangely enjoy talking about. It’s like therapy, talking about it openly and honestly. It’s not something that scares me anymore."
Celebrity Big Brother star Jade lost her battle to cervical cancer on Mother's Day in 2009. She left behind her husband Jack Tweedy, who she married days before her death, and her two sons Bobby and Freddy.
You can read the full story in this week's Closer magazine - out now!
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Jeff Brazier reveals how he and sons remember Jade Goody at Christmas
In more Jade Goody news, earlier this weekJack Tweedy admitted he was back in contact with his stepchildren ten years after her death.
He explained to OK! magazine: "Jeff [Brazier] stopped me from seeing the boys. At that time, I was getting into trouble and I was off the rails – so Jeff was probably right to do that.
"Now he’s seen I’ve sorted myself out, so he got in touch and said the boys had been asking about me. They came around to mine for tea and Jeff was there so it felt like an awkward first date!"