LAUREN NEWTON ‘DAD PLAYED CUPID FOR ME'

BERT WAS THE MASTERMIND BEHIND HIS DAUGHTER’S BEAUTIFUL 16-YEAR MARRIAGE

- Jenny Brown

Every time little Monty Welsh sees a yellow butterfly, he tells his brothers and sisters, “Look, there’s Poppy! Hi, Poppy!”

Adored grandfather Bert Newton is still very much around as far as his family is concerned – as Monty, 6, has spotted yellow butterflies everywhere since the TV icon’s passing last year.

“The kids are very sad, of course,” reflects Bert’s grieving daughter, Lauren. “It was a difficult time for them, going through that big loss.”

It’s been an emotional few months for the mum of six and her husband, former Olympic swim champion Matt Welsh, as they begin marking family milestones without beloved ‘Moonface’.

Eldest son Sam recently celebrated his 14th birthday, daughter Eva, 12, started high school, Monty commenced prep and 3-year-old Perla started preschool.

“All those events are just that little bit harder now,” explains Lauren, 42, also proud mum to Lola, 9, and Alby, 1.

“Dad would have been dying to see Eva’s new uniform, to hear about her day, and that makes it all the more emotional. Lola felt really sad that Poppy was never going to see her start Year 4, but we keep reminding her that he’s watching. Dad is remembered constantly.