Jeff Brazier shared a poignant post with his fans describing what his life had been like as a young parent to his two boys Bobby and Freddie, moving fans to tears.
The 44-year-old became a first-time dad to his son Bobby, whom he welcomed into the world with the late TV star Jade Goody. The pair had their second child Freddie a year later. Jeff was just 23 when Jade had given to their son Bobby and recalled that his experience as a young father was both "challenging" and "life-changing."
The TV presenter opened up to his followers in a heartfelt post to his Instagram to challenge some of the stigmas surrounding couples who choose to have children early on in their lives. Jeff candidly confessed that he regretted not having reached out to his family for support, believing he'd been doing a "good job" at raising his kids while neglecting his own needs.
Taking to his page, Jeff recently revealed that he had the chance to raise awareness for the project 'North East Young Dads and Lads' which is an initiative providing support to struggling young dads. The charity is set to feature in an episode of BBC's The One Show.
He wrote: "I had a really special day yesterday filming with @north_east_young_dads_and_lads for the @bbctheoneshow I was totally blown away by the project, the team that run it & the maturity & accountability of the young Dads I met. The question has to be asked, Is it right that there is a stigma around young fathers & the value they bring to a child’s life? Are they almost seen in separation as ‘surplus to requirement’ in today’s society?"
Jeff Brazier 'hopes to mend broken heart with new romance' after marriage splitJeff added: "I felt like I was portrayed that way in the media, like the spare part, of little value. Maybe just my perception, but to our children, we’re priceless until proven otherwise. I’ll never forget the odd comments I used to get 20 years ago when I was with my boys, ‘Ooh you’re good?’ Really, for being with my children? I couldn’t think of anything more natural.
"I was there to ask the questions but It was an entirely reflective experience for me. How becoming a young dad had changed my life, the power of my personal motivations to be a ‘good Dad’, acknowledging my mistakes, and the numerous challenges of the 21 eventful years."
He continued: "I recognised the uncertainty & isolation some described feeling. I felt sorry for the vulnerability I didn’t express or even allow to register & for not asking for more support but then I was doing good? Or so I hoped?! I used positivity to mask for years and then had to do a lot of work on myself when I realised how unsustainable that was.
"The personal development of the group was so evident proving young Dads are not all ‘unreachable’ or a problem that needs fixing but valuable ambassadors for all Dads that can serve their families & their communities well. I was proud & grateful for each of them consistently turning up to upgrade their parenting toolkit so they can be the best Dads for their children. How I wish these guys were around when I needed them. Such a valuable resource & so effective. Should be everywhere.
Fans were left emotional by the post. One follower said: "This made me cry. It's such a beautiful post." Meanwhile, another person said: "Well done Jeff, I so admire you."