Simon Thomas says his son has had to do 'way too much growing up' after his mother's death

Simon Thomas has heartbreakingly admitted that his eight-year-old son had to do 'way too much growing up' after his mother, Gemma died.

Last week Simon, 46, announced he would be presenting a series on alternative therapies for mental health and wellbeing.

It would be his first time presenting since Gemma died from Leukaemia in November 2017, which led to him quitting Sky Sports last April.

Gemma died just four days  after being ­diagnosed at the age of 40.

Simon with his son Ethan in the Thames Lido (ITV)

This week, he continued his 'pursuit of happiness' by visiting the Thames Lido, where he doesn't harbour any memories of Gemma.

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He said: "The Thames Lido opened literally two weeks before Gemma died, she never got to see it, never got to be there.

"There are lots of places round here wherever I go where I have lots of memories of her being there, here I don't and that's been a really big help.

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"You just feel away from the world, it's also great for Ethan, he loves going there."

Ethan's mum died in November 2017 (ITV)

He continued: "It's bonding time I love those times with him, I love him being a kid again, he's had to do way too much growing up because of what's happened."

Simon then took part in some cold water swimming in the River Ouse.

The practice is hugely beneficial in dealing with stress and depression, and Simon heard from some swimmers about how it’s benefited them.