Simon Cowell: My greatest fear is outliving my son

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare and Simon Cowell is no different. The music-mogul has admitted his biggest fear is to outlive his son.

The 57-year-old ‘X Factor’ boss became a father two years ago to adorable Eric – who he has with his partner Lauren Silverman – and says the little boy has helped him “understand on a much deeper level” how awful it must be for parents to hear their children are not well.

“Now that I am a father I understand on a much deeper level how devastating it would be to hear the news that your child was unwell. Knowing you will outlive your own child is everyone’s worst nightmare and I am more aware than ever that it can happen to anyone” he told the Daily Mirror newspaper.

The X Factor boss is supporting Together for Short Lives, a charity which helps children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and their families and feels “incredibly lucky” to be able to get to know the amazing children.

He added: “I like to go to hospices as often as I can and we have a tea party for the families at The Dorchester each year, to give them a great day out to remember.

“I count myself incredibly lucky to be able to be part of that and see how happy it can make these truly brave families. Days like that are always incredibly humbling. I’ve met some very young kids who have all sorts of very different conditions. It’s the spirit and bravery of them all though – the kids and the families – that really shines through and inspires me.”

Simon will whisk Eric and Lauren off on a private cruise around the Caribbean rather than spend Christmas with his ex-girlfriends this year.

A source said: “This Christmas is a real turning point for Simon because he has been allowed to spend it with Adam and he is taking it very seriously by cancelling his usual holiday with the harem. Instead, he is whisking Lauren and the kids off to sail around the Caribbean.”