BBC Breakfast star Nina Warhurst has been left heartbroken over the death of her beloved dad and said she “can’t quite accept” that his passing is real yet in an emotional post
BBC Breakfast star Nina Warhurst has announced her beloved dad has died.
The BBC star has confirmed her dad Chris passed away on Wednesday (July 2) and that she and her family were with him right until the end. Nina had revealed Chris had been diagnosed with dementia in 2022 and opened up about how she and the family had been caring for him.
The 44-year-old presenter told fans she “can’t quit accept” that her dad is gone and opened up about the touching final moments she shared with him at the end. She took to Instagram with a photo of her and her dad holding hands and paid a beautiful tribute to him.
She wrote: “My Dad died on Wednesday night. From Sunday me, my Mum and sisters spent precious time with him around the clock….singing, crying, laughing, sharing memories. On his last day we had nursing home afternoon tea, chippy chips and wine together.
“He drifted away gently with me and Amy holding him and telling him to “go on ahead. We’ll see you there soon.” And he did. I had my hand on his heart as the ripples softened and stopped.
She continued: “A gentle end to a gentle life. So much love and laughter and sunshine across days I’ll never forget. He is in my mind all the time now as we adjust to a world without him in it. I can’t quite accept that’s real yet.
“But we think it’s really important for anyone going through this to know that the end can be peaceful and beautiful.” Nina also gave thanks to the care home staff who helped them and their dad at such a difficult time.
She added: “Kim, Daniel, Anna, Moody, Charlotte, Clara, Eddie, Obi, Sarah, Kat, Michael, Colin, Dorothy, Helen, Gracie and all the care home staff and residents who welcomed us in to their world and made it our home for those days and nights we can’t thank you enough [love heart emojis]”.
Nina was inundated with support from followers in the comments of the post, with sister Amy writing: “It was beautiful. Aren’t we lucky? Love you Nines x”
Nina’s BBC co-star Jon Kay commented: “So sorry, dear Nina and family. You did him proud. Always. And he was clearly so proud of all of you. Sending loads of love. Take your time. Take care of one another xxxxx.”
Stacey Dooley wrote: “All the love Nina [heart emoji]”. Another wrote: “Oh Nina I’m so sorry for your loss. You gave him a beautiful send off and were with him as he passed and that means so much. Thinking of you and all the family so much.”
Nina opened up about how her and sisters Amy and Mel were coming to terms with their dad’s dementia diagnosis. The BBC star was devastated when her father failed to recognise her for the first time.
She wrote: “My Dad. I missed him so much this week. Dementia means he’s here, but not here. Today was the first time he couldn’t quite place me. Then he got out a new glasses case. He was clearly chuffed with it but knew it was funny to be chuffed with a new glasses case.
“In some ways, he taught me to laugh. Properly from the tummy. And to laugh at myself. We’re all holding on to those deep-rooted connections for as long as we can. Dementia isn’t the end. It’s the start of a new chapter.
“So much respect for his key worker today who told me that it’s all about cherishing those connections, instead of missing the ones we’ve lost. The staff are superstars and it means the world.”
Nina is currently the lead presenter of the BBC News at One. She was previously BBC Breakfast’s main business presenter who also hosted the show.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
