ITV Channel News have announced the death of broadcaster Gary Burgess.
The news anchor died “peacefully” on New Year’s Day, aged just 46 at Jersey Hospice.
Last year, Gary was given the devastating news that he was suffering from terminal cancer after inoperable tumours were discovered on his lungs.
Confirming his death, the network said: “ITV journalist Gary Burgess died peacefully at Jersey Hospice yesterday afternoon (1 January) after a long-documented journey with cancer.”
Prior to his death, Gary penned an emotional final message, saying that he’s had “the best life” and “the luckiest life”.
Discussing his “soul mate” and husband Alan, he said: “The thought of doing that to Alan is unfathomable to process, but I also know the very people who’ve shown me love and support will now wrap up those feelings around him in the coming days.”
Gary added: “It’s time for me to hand over my microphone and keyboard for others to do the talking about me, so let my final words simply be ‘thank you’. Every person in my life has, in their own way, helped me live my best life. That’ll do.”
(Image: Instagram)
The journalist was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1999 which was treated successfully through surgery and chemotherapy but relapsed in 2014.
His cancer returned in 2016, spreading to his lungs but while surgery was successful, it returned in November 2019 and chemotherapy was not successful.
Gary received a terminal diagnosis in November 2020 and was told he had a life expectancy of just six to 12 months which saw him retire from the network in August 2021.
At the time, he said: “Hearing you’re going to die is odd. It’s a strange other worldly experience, to think there may only be one more birthday, one more Christmas, one more wedding anniversary. I’m not dying. I’m living. It’s just that I’ve got less of it to do so my obligation is to make it matter more.”
(Image: Instagram)
Head of News at ITV’s Channel TV, Karen Rankine said that Gary was “extraordinarily talented and passionate journalist and broadcaster.”
She said: “He had a huge heart and his journalism has had an enormous impact across the Channel Islands. He leaves an enduring legacy, not just through the stories he told, the people he touched and the friendships he built, but for many journalists, he was an inspirational role model and mentor who helped shape so many careers.
“As colleagues and friends, we will miss this remarkable man who has inspired so many of us in so many ways and our thoughts and prayers are with Gary’s husband Alan and his family.”
(Image: Instagram)
Following the devastating news, tributes have flocked in on social media for the well-respected broadcaster, with one viewer penning: “My condolences go to Gary’s close family and of course to his many work colleagues and those who became his genuine friends throughout the Jersey media circles, and beyond. One of the heavyweights in local journalism has left us for the great newsroom in the sky.”
A second went on to say: “Just the loveliest and don’t ever remember Gary not smiling -sending so much love and strength to you all.”
“This is heartbreaking. I didn’t know Gary personally, but you always felt like you did, watching or listening to him over the years. That’s the charm of the man. He brought everyone in. Will be much missed,” wrote a third.
Meanwhile, Chief of Jersey Police, Robin Smith said: “In death, Gary generously gave a ‘life-lesson’ of boundless enthusiasm, energy and unwavering optimism. A good man. From us all @JerseyPolice RIP GB.”
Gary is survived by several relatives, including his husband Alan who he met in 2014 before going on to become civil partners in March 2018.
The couple were the first to convert their civil partnership to a marriage in July of 2018, with their marriage certificate being number one on the conversion register.
His brother lives in Madrid with his wife and their two children, while his father lives in North Wales.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
