A divorced couple spent their Christmas together along with their kids, both new partners and all of the in-laws. Barbara De Le Fuente-Ford, 35, and ex Lee Simms, 40, split up in 2013, but promised to keep it amicable for the sake of daughters Florencia, 12 and Sofia, nine.
The family – made up of two divorcees, their two new partners and former in-laws just spent their third Christmas together. They also spent Christmas Eve and Boxing Day together, cooking for one another and buying gifts. Barbara’s new husband Mike Ford, 37, is now best friends with Lee, who also attended their wedding with his partner Miriam Fadda, 39. The festive gathering of 11 took place at a bed and breakfast in Brighton with Barbra (known as Barby), Mike, Lee, Miriam, Florencia, Sofia and Mike’s son, Charlie.
Spanish teacher, Barbara from Brighton said: ‘The friendship is genuine and we can see the long term benefits. We did it for us as well as the children. ‘We’ve got used to it and it works for us.
We are like one big family now.’ Pharmacist Lee and Chilean-born Barbara married in 2005 but they said with hindsight they were too young and gradually grew apart and were ‘always arguing’. Barby and Lee decided they only ‘loved each other as friends’ and made a pact to remain part of each others’ lives after they divorced in 2013.