As Philip Schofield lays his ‘extraordinary loyal’ mother Pat to rest, friends tell how she became his rock after his TV downfall, reveals KATIE HIND

As a dedicated follower who has always admired the resilience and strength of individuals, I find myself deeply moved by the story of Phillip Schofield and his mother Pat. The photograph of her beaming with joy on her wedding day serves as a poignant reminder of the love that once filled her life, and the profound impact it had on her sons Phil and Tim.

At the rear of the funeral program, there was a photograph of Philip Schofield‘s mother. In this image, captured on her wedding day in the late 1950s, she is radiantly smiling with joy.

With a large bunch of lilies tightly grasped, Pat firmly takes her husband Brian’s hand, beaming with happiness. Shortly after, their joy was amplified as sons Phil and Tim made their entrance.

On Friday, as Pat was buried at St Michael’s Church in Newquay, Cornwall, it is likely that the mourners would have pondered the tragic circumstances surrounding her two sons, who lost their father in 2008 due to a heart attack.

People familiar with TV host Phil often express that Pat demonstrated an exceptional level of loyalty towards him, particularly during a challenging time in Phil’s life. It was indeed Pat whom he sought support from when he faced difficulties last May.

After leaving ITV, where he had been employed for three decades, his professional standing suffered greatly due to the scandal surrounding his exit. Moreover, it was reported that his wife Stephanie Lowe was deeply upset with him over an alleged secret affair he had with a younger colleague from ITV’s This Morning program.

Afterward, Phil freely confessed that he had contemplated ending his own life but was prevented from doing so by his daughters Ruby and Molly. However, in Cornwall, he discovered a sense of peace and frequently visited his mother’s home in Newquay, often taking leisurely strolls with her.

On October 14, Pat – hailing from Oldham, Greater Manchester – passed away serenely, with her loved ones nearby, following what was described as a heart-wrenching weekend.

In a heartwarming Instagram post, Phil showed a photo of him happily embracing his mother with an arm around her shoulders, expressing: ‘For three days, we held her close, showered her with love, shared tender hugs, and expressed all the important words. She was tranquil, radiant, graceful, and dignified. I am eternally proud and honored to have been her son.’

He gave his ‘eternal thanks’ to the medics who had looked after his mum in her final days.

On Friday, as Pat was being buried, Phil’s spouse, Stephanie, stood by his side, along with their daughters, Ruby and Molly. They exchanged vows in 1993, but separated in 2020 when Phil confessed that he was gay. However, despite the separation, they continued to be legally married.

As a loyal supporter, I must admit it was quite a blow when the truth about his secret relationship surfaced, causing distress among family, friends, and even colleagues. However, last month, Schofield made a comeback on Channel 5’s Cast Away show, braving ten days alone on an island in the Indian Ocean to survive and share insights into his past actions. He openly expressed feelings of betrayal by his peers and felt abandoned, using the phrase ‘chucked under a bus’.

Bystanders at the church noted that Schofield managed to maintain his composure as he entered accompanied by relatives. Together with three others, he bore the wicker coffin adorned with a stunning arrangement of white flowers. Attendees were asked to wear vibrant attire to celebrate a life filled with love and given the option to make donations to Diabetes UK, a charity close to his mother’s heart who had battled the condition.

Phil’s younger brother, who is 55 years old, wasn’t present at the funeral. Since his sentencing for child sex crimes in April last year, he has time left on his sentence, so it seemed he wasn’t given any exceptions to be there.

During the Anglican church service, Phil expressed his deep affection for his mother by reading a piece titled ‘Love Story’. Accompanying this, mourners sang popular hymns such as ‘Morning Has Broken’ and ‘Love Divine, All Loves Excelling’. The songs ‘Unforgettable’, originally sung by Nat King Cole in 1952, and ‘Always’, by Frank Sinatra, were also played.

After the ceremony, an observer noted that the performer appeared deeply moved: ‘Phil managed to maintain his composure during the service, expressing sincere gratitude towards those who attended. However, upon leaving the church, he couldn’t hold back his feelings any longer. It was evident that it had been a very difficult day for him.’

After a brief, private cremation ceremony, Phil extended an invitation to mourners to join him at the Oceanside Hotel “for a drink in honor of Pat”.

At the funeral, they played a heartfelt Hawaiian goodbye song titled “Aloha ‘Oe,” whose lyrics express the hope of meeting again in the future.

Underneath the song’s lyrics in the program, there was another picture of Pat and her spouse (who worked for a surfboard manufacturing company), captured just a few years prior to Brian’s passing due to a prolonged illness. Those who came together to honor Pat’s life believe that the couple is now reunited, having transcended the worries and sorrows of recent times.

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2024-11-10 15:03