Former Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas’ father has died aged 78.
Simon, 47, broke the news in a heartfelt statement over social media this evening, branding his beloved dad as “the absolute best”.
The heartbreaking news comes three years after the death of Simon’s wife Gemma, who died three days after she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Sharing a photo of his late father, Simon wrote: “Goodbye Dad. We will always love you.
“Perhaps the words of Ethan earlier this week sum it up best, when I asked him how he was feeling about Grandpa being ill, he said this: ‘I feel sad but Grandpa’s got lots to be proud of.
‘”Producing three beautiful children (definitely right on Becky and Hannah), got to marry and spend his whole life with lovely Grandma and spent his life serving God.’”
Simon broke the news of his father’s death in a heartfelt statement over social media this evening (Image: Instagram)
He continued: “Farewell dad. You were the absolute best. We love you.”
Simon, who previously spoke about the heartache of being unable to visit his father during the lockdown, did not confirm his father’s cause of death.
Below the post, his fans sent their condolences, with one writing: “Sending all our love to you and your family Simon.”
Simon has credited his son Ethan in helping him to overcome his grief over the years (Image: INSTAGRAM/ SIMON THOMAS)
Another penned: “So sorry to hear this Simon, what a beautiful way of talking about his Grandpa by Ethan, children have such a special way of talking about things, love to you and your family xx”
In 2019, former Blue Peter presenter Simon bravely opened up about his battle with depression following the death of his wife, who was just 40 when she passed away.
The dad-of-one revealed he turned to alcohol to deal with his grief, suffering from severe sleep-loss as he mourned Gemma’s unexpected death.
Gemma tragically died in 2017 after a short battle with leukaemia (Image: INSTAGRAM/ SIMON THOMAS)
He later teamed up with This Morning in their Pursuit of Happiness series, helping viewers to deal with their mental health.
In the past, Simon has credited his son Ethan, ten, in helping him to overcome his grief over the years.
The ex-Sky Sports star is now dating church minister’s daughter Derrina Jebb, 29, with the family living together in Dorset.
Speaking to Red magazine earlier this year, he explained: “Ethan and I will always remember Gemma, but I want to chase life down again because it is there to be embraced.
“Ethan will grow up without a mum and this is a source of ongoing pain, but Derrina has become everything but to him.
“We see each other at weekends and when I ask Ethan why he likes spending time with her, he says ‘I feel like a family.'”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
