Denise Fergus is happy. You can hear it in her voice, see it in her eyes and feel it in the easy, loving banter between her and husband Stuart.
Little wonder, given that the pair have just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a renewal of their vows in the same church they got married in, followed afterwards by a big party for family and friends.
It’s more than that, though. After decades of fighting for justice for
her son James Bulger, who was led away from her and murdered by two 10-year-old boys in 1993, Denise has reached a level of acceptance about what she and her family have gone through – an experience that shocked the world and one that no parent should ever have to endure.
“I feel the happiest I have been for some time and that’s been the case for a while,” she reveals.
“I am living the life I should have lived all those years ago when I was young; a life that was taken away from me.
“There are so many more positives now, with our three sons and granddaughter; we can sit back and watch them live their lives; get married, have kids. It’s their turn now. Life is an enormous learning curve but here we are – just Denise and Stuart. Renewing our vows was a way of marking that.”
As well as being surrounded by a large, loving family, Denise’s newfound sense of peace has also come from writing her recently updated autobiography I Let Him Go.
It was very painful to recall the events that have shaped her life – James was just a few weeks short of his third birthday when he was snatched from her in a shopping centre by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson – but it also gave her a chance to bring her little boy fully back into focus.
Esta historia es de la edición October 30, 2023 de New UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 30, 2023 de New UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over
'The win changed our lives for the better'
While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral
Struggling in silence
With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son