Slipping you some cheeky pocket money while your parents aren’t looking, or sneaking you another biscuit when mum said no, seem to be part of the unwritten, joyful rules of grand-parenthood.
Grandparents are there for memorable weekends together, or all the time as much-loved sources of support that raise children, reassure them and set them on a path to adulthood. Whether it’s sharing valuable life lessons, looking after the kids so mum and dad can work (or simply have a little alone time), grandparents are cornerstones of the family and can shape who we become.
The following British celebrities lived with their grandparents at one time or another during their childhood and so can certainly attribute – whether it be in literature, film, music or sport – at least some of their success to them.
Born an illegitimate child to an alcoholic mother and brought up thinking they were sisters, Dame Catherine Cookson was raised in County Durham by her grandmother, Rose McCullen, and step-grandfather, John McCullen. She dreamed of a better life for herself and achieved exactly that. Catherine became one of Britain’s most widely read novelists. She sold over 100 million copies of her books and several of her novels were adapted for television series and films like ‘The Black Velvet Gown’, ‘The Girl’, and ‘The Black Candle’, Then finding herself to be one of Britain’s wealthiest women, Catherine returned to the North East of England, using her wealth to help those less fortunate – perhaps inspired by her grandparents’ selflessness in supporting her.
Now a world-renowned singer, songwriter, pianist and composer, Sir Elton John did not have the easiest upbringing. He had an incredibly rocky relationship with his parents but was fortunate enough to be taken in by his nurturing and loving grandmother, Ivy Sewell. When Ivy sadly passed away, Elton said that “she was the one that sat me down at the piano when I was three and made me play.” Since she would never let him spend money on her when she was alive, he built a chapel on her property after her death. He still goes there now to pay respects to her and others in his life who have died. Without Ivy, we may not still be enjoying Elton’s music nearly sixty years later.
Davina McCall
Sir Mo Farah
Eric Clapton CBE
Having already raised their own children, these incredible grandparents of some of the country’s most talented and successful stars rose to the challenge to help to raise their grandchildren when needed. They are a tribute to themselves and have watched their efforts be rewarded in the success of their grandchildren.