Jeff Brazier has revealed that he and his sons “need and miss” Jade Goody more than ever, 16 years after her death from cervical cancer.
The 45-year-old, who has raised their sons Bobby, 21, and Freddy, 20, since Jade’s passing in 2009, spoke candidly about their ongoing grief.
Goody died at the age of 27 in 2009, when their children were just five and four years old.
“To lose the mother of your children is a huge trauma that, of course, shapes your life,” Brazier told The Sun.
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“It comes down to the fact that we need her. It’s not just about missing her — we need her as a mother at the moment, and we always have done, in all honesty.”
He added: “I think sometimes it’s termed that she is missed and we’re doing our best to cope. Sometimes, you have no choice but to look at it and realise we need her at this point.”
Brazier’s heartfelt comments were made amid reports that he has launched legal action to block contact between his youngest son Freddy and Jade’s mother, Jackiey Budden.
According to sources, Jeff is attempting to legally block contact between his youngest son and Budden, claiming the relationship has been “incredibly detrimental” to Freddy’s wellbeing.
The TV presenter is thought to have hired a leading barrister for the upcoming hearing.
Reports suggest Freddy frequently visits Budden’s flat in Bermondsey, south east London, particularly after arguments with his father.
Budden has responded defiantly to the legal proceedings, insisting her home is a safe environment for her grandson.
“My house is safe for Freddy, and it always has been since he was little,” she told the Daily Mail.
She questioned the basis for Bazier’s legal action, adding: “The boy is an adult now, and Jeff treats him like he’s ten. It made sense seven years ago when Freddy was still 13 when Jeff first tried to stop him from seeing me, but now he’s 20 years old.”
When asked if she wanted to see Freddy, she was resolute: “Of course I do. I see Freddy all of the time. I will see him.”
The legal dispute is part of a long-running feud between Brazier and Budden.
In his post, Brazier remembered Goody as “the greatest mother imaginable”.
Sharing photos of himself and Goody, he wrote: “To the greatest mother imaginable to be cruelly denied the privilege of seeing her children long into adulthood.
“Anyone taken from loved ones is sorely missed, but I’d have to admit we have needed you ever since and still do to this day,” he continued.
Brazier acknowledged raising their sons alone was “too big a job” and thanked his support network, including his own mother, wife Kate, and Jade’s friends – notably snubbing Budden.
Freddy later posted a photo of himself with his arms around his father alongside the caption: “Forever grateful for you and all you do for me.”
Brazier reshared his son’s post with his 371,000 followers, adding the message: “Oh Fred, I’ve got you.”
