I ANNOUNCED PREGNANCY AT HER GIRL’S BAPTISM
Jackie Judd, 49, a midday supervisor in a school, is married to Richard, 58, a former facilities manager. They have a son Paul, 23, and Richard has a daughter, Laura, 31, from his first marriage to Su. They live in Rugby, Warwickshire. Jackie says: RICHARD and I started seeing one another two years after his divorce. Su made it her business to get to know me, making no bones about the fact that in seeing Richard I was getting Laura, too. It was nonnegotiable and I respected her for that.
We got through those initially gnarly years by having family meetings. We learnt there was no point in talking about issues behind one another’s backs.
There have been times we fell out for stupid reasons. For example at Su’s daughter Shannon’s christening, I announced I was pregnant with my son Paul. Su felt it was the wrong moment. I was wrong to have done that and admitted, it and we soon cleared the air.
She is an incredibly lovely person. We’ve learnt to trust one another, and even go on holiday together, with Richard in tow.
RichaRd’S ex-wife Su heighton, 54, a former supermarket administrator, has two children, Laura, 31, and Shannon, 24. She also lives in Rugby. Su says: WHEN Richard started seeing Jackie, I was a bit put out — she was half my size for starters and younger than me.
When Richard asked Jackie to marry him, I was taken aback when she asked me to be her maid of honour. I organised the hen party, helped her choose her wedding dress and even made their wedding cake.
I contracted Covid in January this year. After three weeks in hospital, Jackie was waiting to take me home. I love her to bits. She is my best friend. We’re inseparable.
RICHARD SAYS: I was briefly married to Su, and I’m proud we’ve remained on friendly terms. But it’s Jackie who is the real love of my life. I never quite expected them both to forge such a strong, lifelong friendship.