Jess Ennis-Hill uncovers family mystery on BBC show

Jess Ennis-Hill explored her family's past on the BBC show 'Who Do You Think You Are?' and uncovered a heartbreaking family mystery involving her great grandfather Jack and his mother Maud. Through conversations with her grandparents, Rodney and Margaret, Jess learned about Maud's struggles, which likely would have been diagnosed as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder today. The emotional weight of the story deepened when Jess discovered that Maud's daughter, known as Little Maud, had died at the age of 11 from a heart condition in 1924, a fact that moved Jess to tears as she reflected on the similarities between their lives. The revelation that Maud may not have been informed about her daughter's death added to the tragedy, highlighting the family's long-standing secrets. Jess expressed her sadness over the fact that Maud lived in a mental hospital until her death in 1970, a situation that was kept hidden to protect the family from societal shame. This lack of communication meant that Maud was unaware of her expanding family, which included Jess's mother and grandfather, who were also left in the dark about her existence. Despite the sorrowful discoveries, Jess found inspiration in Jack's resilience, noting that he thrived despite the challenges posed by his mother's mental health issues. However, her grandfather Rod was upset upon learning the details, as he had never fully understood the sadness surrounding his mother's life. Jess's journey into her family's history not only revealed painful truths but also fostered a sense of pride in her heritage. Ultimately, Jess's exploration of her family's past has changed the narrative for her family, shedding light on the hidden struggles and fostering a deeper understanding of their history. This experience has encouraged her to seek connections to her family's athletic background, reflecting her pride in what she has uncovered.