FORMER X-Factor star Jahmene Douglas was moved to tears when he appeared with his mum at Women’s Aid’s 40th birthday celebrations.

The 23-year-old, who lived in Swindon before he shot to fame after appearing on the talent show in 2012, appeared at The Club at The Ivy, in London, to mark the work the charity has done during the past four decades to bring domestic abuse to an end.

He was appearing alongside his mum, Mandy Wood, who is an ambassador for the charity, who moved crowds to tears when she delivered speech about her own experiences.

Mandy and her family entered into a witness protection programme after his father, Eustace, was jailed over domestic abuse when Jahmene was a child and his older brother, Daniel, committed suicide in 2008.

And Mandy said her recollections of the ordeal – and of the family’s journey to safety – had been unexpectedly emotional.

“I did a long speech and looked up to find everyone upset and crying. Not the reaction I had expected,” she said.

“I was told it was a very moving speech, powerful even.

“Duncan Bannatyne (of TV’s Dragon’s Den fame) was a complete gentleman and praised me for my bravery – I even got a hug. It was most surreal.

“Jahmene then had to sing while crying. After explained why it still affects us – losing his older brother, not being able to share Christmas with him, share with him years of growing into adults, the pain that this causes, living with death threats looming.

“When I talk about death threats, torture with weapons, false imprisonment, sleep deprivation, rape etc, you would think I was discussing terrorists.

“These are real everyday perpetrators that are walking freely about in our country – my ex being one of them.

“There's no justice in that.”

You can read more abut Mandy’s experiences and get in touch with her via her blog at www.womeninfear.blogspot.co.uk.