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Simon Thomas credits girlfriend Derrina with bringing his son ‘back to life’ after wife’s death


Simon Thomas thanked his girlfriend Derrina Jebb for bringing his son ‘back to life’ (Picture: Instagram)

Simon Thomas has praised his girlfriend Derrina Jebb for bringing his son ‘back to life’ after his wife’s tragic death.

The Sky Sports presenter was left a single dad at 47 when Gemma died aged 40 in November 2017, just three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid luekaemia.

Simon has now shared a sweet post on Instagram crediting the ‘amazing’ Derrina, 29, with helping his 10-year-old son Ethan through his grief.

Sharing a snap of Ethan from 2018, he wrote: ‘I took this photo nearly two years ago.

‘I remember looking at it at the time and thinking this is it. Game over. My boy’s life is over.

‘It was never ever going to be over. I sometimes look at him and see him laughing and get caught up in a gushing wave of happiness and pride.’

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8wnE8NBl8c/

He went on: ‘I know part of this has been down to me; but so much has been down to @derrina. I sometimes say to her that she doesn’t see the Ethan when she’s not around – calm, lovely but often quiet.

‘When Derrina is around he comes to life. His whole body language changes and the laughter fills the house.’

He concluded: ‘Me and my boy are beyond blessed to live and be loved by this amazing woman.’

Simon, who began dating Derrina in 2018, has spoken openly about his love for her in the past.

During an appearance on Lorraine, he previously said: ‘Meeting Derrina was unexpected but she has been an incredible woman in terms of loving me when I was broken, and loving me now as I rise up from the ashes.’

His wife Gemma died in 2017 aged 40 (Picture: Rex)

He added: ‘But also for having this remarkable relationship with Ethan.

‘She knows there is not a woman on this planet right now who could ever be his mum again. But she’s become such a significant figure in his life. I love her to bits.’

It comes as Derrina hit back at a troll who accused her of dating Simon for money.

‘She’s doing alright out of you,’ they posted.

Derrina was having none of it, hitting back at the troll: ‘I earn my own salary and take the boys away too but thanks for taking the time to write a lovely comment. ‘Enjoy your Saturday.’



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