Simon Thomas marries Derrina Jebb in special ceremony
He's found love again four years after the tragic death of his late wife Gemma
Four years after the tragic death of his late wife Gemma, former Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas has announced he's married his girlfriend Derrina Jebb in a special ceremony.
Simon took to his social media pages over the weekend to announce the lovely news, sharing the most stunning snap of the newly married couple at Norwich Cathedral. The 48-year-old simply wrote: 'Love. Wins. 🤍'.
Simon's showbiz friends were quick to comment on the beautiful photo. Fearne Cotton wrote: 'This is just wonderful! Sooooo much love from the Wood family ♥️♥️♥️', with Gabby Logan adding: 'Huge congratulations ❤️'.
Former Blue Peter presenter Angelica Bell commented: 'Thank you for letting us share your special day. ❤️'.
A fan then wrote: 'Aw I am so mega pleased for you guys. You have been my inspiration since I lost my husband 2017. All the blessings and happiness in the world. ❤️She is a stunner isn’t she and you handsome as ever.'
Simon later shared another photo from his big day, revealing his 11-year-old gave an impressive speech.
He captioned the photo with: 'And I couldn’t have asked for two better best men - my legend of a mate @danjmritchie and Ethan whose speech was just . . . . . well . . . . amazing. We’re so so proud of him.' (sic)
Before meeting Derrina, Simon was married to his first wife Gemma for 12 years, until she suddenly passed away at the age of 40, just days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Simon, who shared his son Ethan with Gemma, has previously publicly opened up about dealing with grief, writing a book called Love, Interrupted: Navigating Grief One Day At A Time.
Meanwhile, after meeting Derrina back in 2018, the pair quickly grew a close bond, with Simon often sharing photos and posts online about how well she gets on with 11-year-old Ethan.
Back in October 2020, Simon shared a cute photo of Derrina and Ethan writing: 'Love the bond these two have. I understand a bit through everything we’ve been through; but in truth I don’t truly know what it’s like to walk in @derrina ‘s shoes. Ethan might be easy to love; but to love a boy who isn’t her own flesh and blood in the way she does is something special.
'But it’s also a path with its own unique challenges. That feeling of never being able to live up to Gemma and everything she was and still is to Ethan. That worry that she’ll always be in the shadow of all that came before - fears of inadequacy are never far away. The pervading thought that Ethan & I never chose the path we are now on so where does she fit into our lives now? The fear that she will never be good enough & will forever feel second.
'All of these fears & worries are real; but none of them are really true. All of us are unique & all of us irreplaceable. Derrina is unique - there’s nothing second about her. She’s not in a shadow & she’s way beyond & above being good enough. We love her so much for her, everything she is & everything she stands for. The love she has for Ethan is amazing & generous. She’s grown to love him like her own & we’re both massively blessed to be part of her life. #stepparenting #lovewins' (sic)
Congratulations to Simon and Derrina on their marriage.