Silver lining of Nadia and Jimmy Bartel’s split

In the midst of a highly-publicised separation from her husband Jimmy, Nadia Bartel is now living every wife and mother’s worst nightmare. But there’s an incredible force helping her through, writes Kim Wilson.

Nadia Bartel is living every wife and mother’s worst nightmare.

It would be bad enough if she were a regular suburban mum, having to deal with friend’s reactions and sympathetic looks from other parents in the playground.

But the shock breakdown of her marriage to former AFL star husband Jimmy Bartel is playing out in the spotlight and that must make a devastating situation even more distressing.

The challenge of trying to contain her grief and anger while keeping life as consistent and nurturing as she can for her two boys Aston, 3, and Henley, nine months, must be immense.

RELATED: Nadia Bartel breaks silence on split from Jimmy

I’ve known Nadia for many years and wrote a post on Instagram on Tuesday expressing my admiration for the courageous and gracious way she has conducted herself since she discovered the former Geelong footballer had been having a long-term relationship with UK based Melbourne girl Lauren Mand via text message.

Friends of Nadia Bartel - including Lana Wilkinson - have come out in force to show their support for the mum-of-two following her separation from Jimmy Bartel. Picture: Fiona Hamilton/Racing Photos

In a restrained and dignified response to the public interest in the split, Nadia admitted it had been a very difficult month for her and the boys.

“Although I’m heartbroken, I don’t want to comment specifically on what’s been reported about Jim’s trip to the UK as I don’t think that is in anyone’s interests.”

“My single focus now is to continue to protect, care and provide for my two beautiful boys as this is a personal matter. I am so thankful for my very supportive family and friends,” she said.

RELATED: AFL WAGs rally around heartbroken Nadia Bartel after shock marriage split

I was completely blown away by the immediate and overwhelming groundswell of support and love that came through for Nadia, many from her high-profile friends.

Past and present footy WAGS including Rebecca Judd, Emma Hawkins, Brit Davis, Jessie Murphy, Renee Enright and Kylie Brown were joined by models Rebecca Harding and Elyse Knowles, TV presenter Lauren Phillips, and celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson and hairdresser Marie Uva in throwing their support behind her.

Nadia and Jimmy Bartel with their sons Henley and Aston. Picture: Instagram

Rebecca Judd wrote: “An amazing wife, mother, business woman and friend who is as caring, loving and loyal as they come. She deserves the world. I ADORE you @nadiabartel.”

Former fellow Geelong WAG Enright wrote: “She’s the most incredible mother, sister, daughter and friend. I could not be more proud of your strength my beautiful Nonna @nadiabartel Such a dignified response in what is such an awful time. LOVE YOU.”

RELATED: AFL champ Jimmy Bartel breaks silence after new love match, shock split revealed

Celebrity hairdresser and friend Marie Uva said: “Beautiful inside and out, successful and an amazing mother. You deserve all the happiness in the world @nadiabartel and you have an army of people behind you that all love you.”

While celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson added: “An incredible mother, business woman and friend — @nadiabartel we are lucky to have you in our lives and are right behind you.”

Rebecca Judd has described Nadia Bartel as an “amazing wife, mother, business woman and friend”. Picture: Instagram

Many people might think the celebrity set is false and competitive, but by publicly expressing their support for Nadia, her high-profile posse have shown that the sisterhood is alive and strong.

It also shows that while social media cops a bad rap, and rightly so sometimes, it can also be a force for good.

Terrible situations often bring out the best in people and Nadia can take comfort from the sea of support she has received and will continue to receive from her famous friends and followers.

A successful businesswoman in her own right, with her popular lifestyle blog The Chronicles Of Nadia and The Connection — an online fashion business, Nadia now has to navigate life as a single mum in the spotlight.

I have no doubt she will move forward stronger for it and with a fierce and loyal sisterhood loving and supporting her all the way.

Kim Wilson is the Executive Fashion and Lifestyle Editor for the Herald Sun.