“Fearless” and “courageous” Helen McCrory gave husband Damian Lewis her blessing to go on and have “lots of girlfriends” after she’d gone.
However, she had one stipulation for Damian, who she married in 2007, telling him not to “snog anyone” prior to her funeral.
It’s clear that the actress, who was best known for her role of Polly Gray in the BBC drama Peaky Blinders, kept her incredible sense of humour throughout her secret cancer battle.
On April 16, Damian announced that his wife had tragically died at the age of 52.
He later followed up with a touching tribute to the “utterly heroic” mother of his two children.
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Writing for the Sunday Times he explained: “She has been utterly heroic in her illness. Funny, of course — generous, brave, uncomplaining, constantly reminding us all of how lucky we’ve been, how blessed we are.
“Her generosity has extended to encouraging us three to live. Live fully, take opportunities, have adventures.”
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Speaking about her wit right up until the very end of her battle, he added: “Only a couple of weeks ago she said to us from her bed, ‘I want Daddy to have girlfriends, lots of them, you must all love again, love isn’t possessive, but you know, Damian, try at least to get through the funeral without snogging someone.”
The English actor who is coming to terms with the sad loss of his soul ate said that he missed his wife “already”.
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While devastated, Damian did explain the he feels empowered by Helen and that she did all she could to provide him and their children with courage to go on in life.
He hailed Helen for her “bravery” and “generosity” as she fought hard for her family to “normalise” her own death.
The Harry Potter actress didn’t want any “self-pity” in her final hours, telling loved ones that she was “happy” with how she’d lived her life.
Although Damian feels that she left behind her two children “too early” he believes Helen has already armed them with skills to succeed and thrive.
Recalling his wife’s brave words, he wrote: “She has exhorted us to be courageous and not afraid. As she said repeatedly to the children, ‘Don’t be sad, because even though I’m about to snuff it, I’ve lived the life I wanted to’.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
