Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas has opened up about the sudden death of his wife, Gemma, a fortnight ago.
Gemma died just two weeks ago – mere days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia – an aggressive form of blood cancer that attacks white blood cells.
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Simon announced her death on twitter, saying the loss was a crippling blow to him, and to the couple’s eight-year-old son, Ethan.
“Today I am crushed with indescribable pain,” he wrote. “Just three days after falling ill with Acute Myloid Leukaemia, my dear wife Gemma passed away yesterday evening surrounded by her family and friends.
“If you are a prayer – pray for my boy Ethan. 8yrs, precious and in bits. Thank you.”
The former Blue Peter star took to Twitter again today to express his gratitude for the outpouring of support he’s had in the days since her death.
“Two weeks on since she went,” he tweeted. “I have only been able to read a fraction of the incredible outpouring of love and support for us on here in the painful days that followed.
“One day, with my boy, we will read them. For now, all I can say from the depths of my heart, is thank you. ❤️”
Simon shared his grief for his son while speaking to The Mirror, opening up about what Ethan said just after Gemma’s death.
“He said he wants Playmobil and other gifts for Christmas, but most of all ‘I want mummy back’, and I can’t help him with that,” he explained.
“My little boy had a little time with her but she wasn’t able to speak to him. She passed away just before 6pm. There was a real sense of peace. Today is the hardest pain I have ever felt ever.”
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Simon and Ethan have temporarily moved in with his parents in Norfolk, and Simon has been sharing images of his wife to social media as the family mourns.