Professional boxer Jack McGann has paid tribute to his late grandfather and told of his grief in an emotional interview with film star Stephen Graham.
Tony McGann, 85, who died earlier this month, founded the Eldonian housing association and was recognised with the freedom of the city in 2017. His grandson Jack, a professional boxer, is set to fight this Friday on the roof the Shankly hotel in Liverpool city centre.
Jack, who went to St Mary's College in Crosby, recently spoke to film star Stephen Graham about the loss of his grandfather. Jack spoke to Stephen just days after Mr McGann's death.
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Jack said: "He was a massive part of my life and it's been devastating for the family. There were plenty of times when I broke down. I am not going to hide that." Jack told Stephen that his grandfather had planned to attend this Friday's fight at the Shankly hotel.
Jack added: "It's been a strange time." Jack told Stephen how his grandfather helped raise him while his dad was working away as a professional trainer and promoter.
Jack said: "He pretty much raised me." Jack explained how his grandfather's approach to life had helped him cope with his death.
He said: "He was old school and in that you just had to get on with it and not moan."
During the interview Stephen, who celebrated a BAFTA earlier this year for prison drama Time, said that attitudes to mental health were now changing.
Jack said: "I am lucky in that I have got a family who are very close and I have talked to them and and cried.
"Lads can bottle things up and its the worst thing that you can do. "
Stephen also spoke to Lawrence Kenwright, owner of the Shankly, about Jack's forthcoming fight on the roof of the Victoria Street hotel.
Lawrence said: "We are going to create an event that not been seen before. I think we are hoping for a boutique event that is not just about the fight but goes into the night as well."
Jack added: "I have not fought in Liverpool since I was 16. I wanted to wait for something special and this is it."
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