Frankly chuffed
Bruno reveals double joy as two daughters prepare to be mums
Frank can’t wait to be grandad and is even toying with a “name reveal” party once she’s born – having already thrown an elaborate baby shower and “gender reveal” bash. Rachel, whose baby is due next month, says: “Our daughters are going to be so close, only three months apart. They can terrorise the world together!” Nicola, expecting in October, adds: “We’ve always said we’d love to be pregnant together. It’s just worked out.” And beaming Frank chips in: “They’ll make great mums. They will look out for the girls and make sure they are safe.” Frank walked Rachel down the aisle to wed Bobby Hardy, 33, at Brentwood Cathedral a year ago. She fell pregnant four months later. Social care practitioner Nicola met partner Tad Demus, 33, via a dating site and fell pregnant a few months into their relationship. Former heavyweight world champ Frank recalls how he learned he was going to be a grandad. He says: “Rachel told me on my birthday and Nicola just told me one day in the kitchen.
“I get on very well with the guys. They’ll be good dads, protective. Good role models – hard-working guys, fair and great son-inlaws.”
Of his own parenting style, Frank – also dad to Franklin, 22 – goes on: “I tried to be a laid-back dad. You’ve got to let them make mistakes – and be there for them when they do. I’ll try and give the odd parenting tip but they know what’s right and wrong.
“If they need me, they know where I am.”
Rachel and Nicola plan to take their babies swimming and to sensory classes together.
Nicola says: “It’s nice to go through it together. Rachel can give me pointers and stuff. The side-effects, the twinges you get. She’s been really supportive.”
Personal trainer Rachel has posted fitness images and clips online during her pregnancy and admits it has been a battle. She says: “I have struggled at times. I can’t do the washing up unless I’m in the squat position. I’m slowing down. I can’t train like I used to. I just can’t wait for her to get here now.”
The sisters chuckle when asked what their girls might inherit from Frank.
Rachel says: “His legs! And if she’s like she is in the womb – always kicking and punching me – I guess she’ll be active. But I don’t want her to go boxing.” Nicola says: “I hope she gets Dad’s humour and his ability to sleep!”
Frank has spoken in detail about his battle with bipolar disorder – and tells in his book Let Me Be Frank how he overcame his demons.
He is now medicationfree and has launched The Frank Bruno Foundation, which aims to use noncontact boxing and exercise to support people with mental ill health.
Frank says in years to come he wants to be able to tell his grand-daughters about the foundation’s work. He then adds with a glint in his eye: “I might show them my world title belt as well... I’m pretty proud of that.”
And, once more, that booming laugh rings out.
I will be a hands-on grandad... I’ll take the girls to zoo and cinema FRANK BRUNO EX-CHAMP ON HIS ROLE AS GRANDAD
amy.sharpe@trinitymirror.com Let Me Be Frank, the story of Bruno’s life, is out now in paperback. Go to mirrorbooks.co.uk