Simon Thomas shares heartbreaking tribute to late wife a year after her death
She passed away a month before Christmas
Presenter Simon Thomas has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his late wife Gemma a year after she tragically passed away. Gemma, mum to their eight-year-old son Ethan, died suddenly only four days after receiving a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia - an aggressive form of cancer.
Taking to Instagram yesterday (1st Nov), Simon revealed that he'd been 'dreading' the month of November, as it would mark a year since Gemma passed away on the 24th.
Sharing a picture of the words, 'Hello November', Simon wrote, 'The month I’ve been dreading for so long is finally here. A time of the year I used to love is now ladened with memories I wish I didn’t have. I’d do anything to fast forward to 2019.'
He also shared another poignant message - this time, directly addressing Gemma. Sharing a photo of her, Simon wrote, 'Darl I miss you so much. Just know that I’m looking after your boy. You would be beyond proud at how he has grown, matured and become such a rock for me.
'His emotional intelligence is beyond his young years. We are being loved and supported by so many; but we miss you more with every day that takes us further from you, but keep waiting, we will be reunited one day.'
Fans of the presenter took to the comments to share their sorrow, with many penning messages of condolence. One wrote, 'No words can help to ease the pain. You have Ethan and even though he is still young he is your rock. Keep on doing what you are doing and with the help of God one day you will leave the black tunnel and find light and sunshine. Love to both of you and a special hug to your wonderful boy!'
Another added, 'I reckon she would be so proud of you both and what you have done in opening a discussion on grief and wearing away the stigma.'
Simon has conducted interviews since the passing of his wife to discuss the importance of opening up after the death of a loved one.
Speaking on Lorraine back in July, Simon revealed that he'd encouraged his son to open up, saying, "He’s doing good. He surprises me every day with how he’s dealing with it. His grief is beginning to manifest itself a little bit more.
"In terms of immediate family, he’s only got me. And a child wants to protect you and they don’t want to necessarily tell you everything that’s going on in their head. I know sometimes when he gets alongside his auntie Rebecca, Gemma’s sister, he was being very expressive in how he’s feeling and what he’s going through. I think he wants to protect me a little bit from what’s going on because he knows that I’ll worry and maybe I’ll cry.
"I’ve always been very open in my emotions. The only thing I’ll hold back from him is anger, because I don’t think he needs to see that."