He was named after a wild animal – so a New Year’s safari to meet his namesake was the perfect treat.
In fact, so keen was Bear Payne‘s mother, Cheryl Tweedy, to give him a memorable christmas following the death of his father Liam almost 15 months ago, that she took him to meet his favorite animals, something he and the late One Direction singer shared a love for.
Dressed for the plummeting temperatures in a gray puffer jacket and matching bobble hat, the eight-year-old was treated to a three-night trip to Port lympne, a safari park in Kent, where he appeared ‘thrilled’ as he came face to face with the park’s residents.
Bear toured the park in an open-sided safari Land Rover on a £110 per person, two-and-a-half hour ‘ultimate safari’ with the former girls Aloud star. Also there were Ms Tweedy’s mother Joan and younger brother Garry, whom she credits as being her ‘rock’ following Liam’s death aged just 31 in October 2024 after a fall from a hotel balcony.
As well as meeting some spectacled bears – the inspiration for another famous bear, Paddington – Bear also got to sleep near tigers.
Cheryl in the open-sided safari Land Rover at Port Lympne during the £110 per person, two-and-a-half hour ‘ultimate safari’
Cheryl Tweedy’s son Bear fed the giraffes during the safari experience
And he appeared to be particularly excited when the group reached the African section of the park and spotted the statuesque Nubian giraffes nearby, which guests can feed as part of the experience.
Bear could be seen looking up in amazement as the animals bowed their heads to reach their food.
Watching on proudly was Ms Tweedy – who first met Liam when he was a contestant on talent show The X factor and she was a judge, though they began their relationship years later – in a long brown puffer coat and sheepskin-lined, trapper-style hat with the ear flaps down.Onlookers told the Mail on Sunday that Bear ‘looked thrilled’ and was ‘not able to soak up enough of what he was seeing’ as he and his mother enjoyed the safari.
One guest said: ‘they all looked genuinely mesmerised, especially Bear. It must have been such a marvelous treat for him.
‘It must be so sad. He doesn’t have a daddy a
Bear is navigating life after the loss of her husband,Liam,while dedicated to keeping his memory alive for their son and maintaining strong bonds with his family. She actively cherishes reminders of Liam and prioritizes relationships with his parents, Karen and Geoff, and his sisters, Ruth and Nicola.
A particularly poignant aspect of Liam’s legacy is his love of animals, a passion Bear ensures is nurtured in their son.
Maintaining family Connections
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Following a notable loss, maintaining connections with the deceased’s family is crucial for both emotional support and ensuring the child grows up knowing their heritage and extended family. Bear’s commitment to staying close to Liam’s parents, Karen and Geoff, and his sisters, Ruth and Nicola, demonstrates a dedication to preserving these vital relationships. This provides a continued sense of belonging and shared history for everyone involved.
Passing on Liam’s Passions
Liam’s love for animals is a central part of his legacy. Research consistently shows that shared passions can be powerful ways to remember loved ones and create lasting bonds. Psychology Today highlights how continuing activities enjoyed with the deceased can be a healthy coping mechanism and a way to feel connected.
By fostering this love in their son, Bear is not only honoring Liam’s memory but also providing a meaningful connection to his personality and values. This could involve visits to animal shelters, supporting wildlife conservation efforts, or simply sharing stories about Liam’s fondness for animals.
Creating and sharing memories is a fundamental aspect of grief and remembrance. Actively talking about Liam, sharing photos and videos, and recounting anecdotes helps keep his spirit alive. Verywell mind emphasizes the importance of rituals and traditions in maintaining a connection with those who have passed.
Key Takeaways
- Maintaining strong relationships with the deceased’s family provides crucial support and a sense of continuity.
- Nurturing the passions of the deceased in their children is a powerful way to honor their memory.
- Sharing memories and stories keeps the spirit of the loved one alive.
Bear’s dedication to honoring Liam’s memory through family connections and shared passions provides a gorgeous example of how to navigate grief while ensuring his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he loved.
Published: 2026/01/04 02:23:52