Jack and Simon - Under Fire from Life

Bereavement resulted in relationship-breakdown between father and son, but sharing their loss has brought them closer than ever.
Jack was assigned female at birth. Jack’s mother was diagnosed with cancer when he was 5 years old, over a course of 8 years she had nine brain surgeries, two spinal surgeries and a hip replacement. She died in March 2016, just before Jack’s GCSEs.
Jack was closer to his mother and came out as transgender to her aged 14. He didn't think Simon knew and resented being treated as 'Daddy's little girl'. Both Simon and Jack had a difficult relationship during this time and especially suffered during a four month period in 2016 when Jack came out publicly, followed by his mother dying, doing his GCSEs, Simon losing the family business and them having to sell the family home (of 24years). They both admit that during this period, their relationship was at rock bottom. Just over a year on, things are looking up for both. Their relationship has healed and they get on really well, they are both 'living again'.

Produced by Siobhán Harrison.