Kym Marsh supported as she says she was left with 'huge hole' in her life
The former Coronation Street star was flooded with messages of love and support as she paid an emotional tribute
Kym Marsh has been flooded with messages of love and support as she paid an emotional tribute to her dad on what would have been a milestone birthday.
The actress and presenter lost her dad David Marsh, known as Dave, when he died in January 2024 at the age of 78 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
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He publicly shared his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2021 when he appeared on BBC's Morning Live with Kym and his wife Pauline after he wanted to make others aware of the symptoms and to seek medical help.
Kym's parents then later appeared on the BBC One programme again to provide an update, with Kym saying they were living "day by day" as her father’s cancer had spread into his bones. It was then announced on January 12, 2024 that Dave had sadly died.
Now, Kym has paid tribute to her beloved father on what would have been his 80th birthday on Monday (March 17). Sharing a smiling snap of Dave with one of his favourites, a bowl of ice cream, the former Coronation Street stat said on Instagram: "Happy heavenly birthday Poppa Bear.
"You would have been 80 today and I so wish you were here to celebrate that! I would love nothing more than to hear you laugh and tell jokes and look at your amazing smiley face. I miss you so much Dad. You have left a huge hole in my life that can never be filled."
She emotionally added: "My hero. My biggest champion. My world. I love you always and forever, or as you would say, to Aldi and back!! Have fun up there. Always your shadow, Kym xxxx."
She was quickly flooded with messages, with former Hear'Say bandmate Suzanne Shaw writing in the comments section: "Sending love." Former Strictly Come Dancing partner Graziano Di Prima replied: "Sending my love to you @marsh_kym he was special."
Former Real Housewives of Cheshire star Ampika Pickston said: "What a lovely man I can see his face and that beautiful smile that lit others faces and hearts . I remember him away with us many moons ago." Actor Michael Greco shared: "Happy birthday to the wonderful man."
Kym has previously recalled that the grief of losing her beloved dad would "bite at [her] throat" and left her having anxiety attacks, which she then had to learn to "control".
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She told The Sun newspaper last year: "When Dad passed away, I had a bad time and my anxiety was very bad. It was like it was biting at my throat the entire time. But I haven't had an anxiety attack for a while now. I do struggle sometimes still, but I recognise it and I take time to deal with those feelings. I have learned to control it."