Sky presenter Simon Thomas has revealed his close friend has passed away following a fight with cancer, nine years after he lost his own wife.
Back in 2017, the Blue Peter star announced that his first wife, Gemma, had died after a battle with Leukaemia, at age 40. The pair had a son, Ethan, who was eight-years-old when his mum died.
Now, nine years later, Simon has revealed on Instagram that another of his close friends has died of cancer, after previously getting the all-clear.
What happened to Simon Thomas’ wife?
Simon announced the heartbreaking news of his first wife’s death on X (then-Twitter).
He told his followers at the time: “Today I am crushed with indescribable pain. Just three days after falling ill with Acute Myloid Leukaemia, my dear wife Gemma passed away yesterday evening surrounded by her family and friends.”
The mum-of-one had gone to her local GP three times complaining of headaches, night sweats, bruising and fatigue. She was initially told her symptoms could be stress, but was later rushed to A&E.
Back in 2022, Simon opened up about how he and their son coped in the aftermath, revealing that both of them had counselling.
Simon found love again, going on to marry his current wife, Derrina Jebb, back in 2021, nearly four years after losing Gemma.
But the heartache has never left, and losing his close friend recently has left Simon reflecting on the past.
Simon Thomas’ emotional tribute
Taking to Instagram, Simon revealed that his friend, Becca, has tragically passed away – on her ninth wedding anniversary.
Sharing a black-and-white photo of Becca, Simon penned: “Goodbye my friend. Another life that had so many more miles to travel; so many more moments to savour; cut cruelly short by cancer.
“You didn’t deserve this. So few do who get cut down by this horrific disease. You had already stared cancer in the face last year and fought your way back. Finally, it was behind you. You could look forward to the years ahead with your family, only for it to return six weeks ago, and wield the cruellest and quickest blows.
“And to take you on your ninth wedding anniversary feels even more cruel.”
Simon went on to express how cancer “stole” all of Becca’s moments that she should have had with her daughter, Emilia, and husband, Andy. But he remained adamant that “cancer will never steal Becca.”
The star went on to express how “angry” he was to lose another person close to him by the horrible disease.
He penned” “We keep being told we’re closer to a cure for cancer. That survival rates are getting better. Yet, all I see is this dreadful disease taking more and more of the people I love.
“In my darker moments, I wonder whether there even is a genuine desire to find a cure. Or is there too much money to be made by too many to finally eradicate it?”
Simon admitted that the losses have even made him question his own Christianity, which remains the “biggest of tests” for him.
He concluded: “I am grateful beyond words that Becca was my friend. Her love lives on in Andy, in little Emilia. I know she is now with her Heavenly Father, free from pain and struggle.”
Tributes poured in for Simon’s loss
Immediately, Simon was flooded with support from fans and fellow celebrities.
One penned: “What beautiful words. Sending you, and her family, so much love.”
“Oh Simon, she sounded wonderful. I am so sorry for all of you” another added.
A third commented: “A brave post Simon, especially as she was a dear, close friend. I’m sorry.”
A heartbroken user penned: “What a beautiful tribute to a clearly brilliant woman and friend. Deepest condolences to you and her loved ones.”
Our thoughts are with Simon, and Becca’s family. Such heartbreaking news.
Read more: Simon Thomas gushes over son Ethan’s wedding speech
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