12 January 2024 , 18:13
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Kym Marsh's father has died a spokesperson for the former Coronation Street actress has confirmed.
David Marsh, the father of BBC Morning Live presenter and Waterloo Road star Kym, passed away on Thursday after a "long battle with prostate cancer", the statement revealed on Friday.
Just weeks ago, Kym shared how doctors had informed her that her beloved father didn't have much time left, after being diagnosed with cancer almost three years ago.
The mum-of-three, 47, revealed medical professionals had advised her to "go and spend lots of time with him and make lots of memories" after David was told he was unable to receive any further chemotherapy treatment.
Kym Marsh kept fans updated on her dad's health prior to his death (xxxxxx/Instagram)In the statement announcing David's death, Kym's spokesperson told PA news agency: "It is with immense sadness that we confirm the passing of David Marsh. A much loved husband, dad, grandad, great grandad and friend to many, David passed away peacefully at home yesterday surrounded by his family. We are truly heartbroken and ask for privacy at this incredibly difficult time."
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In June 2021, Kym first shared the upsetting news that her father had been diagnosed with cancer. The former soap star explained that he had put off going for a health check-up during the pandemic. Back the time he did see a doctor, the disease had already spread to other parts of her dad's body, like his pelvis and spine.
Talking to The Sun, she said: "At this stage doctors are talking about it being incurable, but it is treatable and the hope is that they may be able to extend his life - but by how much nobody really knows and he is in discomfort."
Speaking on Morning Live last year, Kym offered a further update on her dad's health, as she revealed he didn't have long left following the cancer spreading. Kym's co-host Gethin Jones, 45, spoke to the star about her father and his latest health update on the live BBC show.
The Welsh presenter began the conversation by asking Kym: "I know you've been spending quite a lot of time with your dad recently. We know Dave really well on Morning Live and the reason you've been spending time with him is because you've had some bad news, haven't you?"
Kym showing her late father her tattoo tribute to him (Instagram)Kim responded: "Yes, Morning Live has been following dad's cancer diagnosis which was about two-and-a-half years ago I think now and his latest scan results have shown, unfortunately, that there are more cancer deposits further up his spine now. They are doing further scans to see if it's gone into any more of his bones but unfortunately they can't offer him chemotherapy."
She poignantly went on to add: "So they advised us to go and spend lots of time with him and make lots of memories. So that's what we've been doing, we went out on Halloween to a lights trail and he's just been enjoying spending time with his family."
In 2021, Kym took a lengthy break from presenting BBC show Morning Live, later revealing she had been suffering from anxiety attacks and was seeking help for her mental health amid her father’s prostate cancer diagnosis earlier that year. Her father later appeared on the show during Men’s Health Week to urge men not to hesitate over getting prostate examinations as he continued to receive treatment for an advanced form of the condition at the time.
Prior to David's passing, Kym was able to enjoy one final Father's Day with her beloved dad - revealing a touching tattoo tribute to David back in June. Posting to social media at the time, the former Hearsay' singer shared a snap of her tattoo of an ice cream alongside the very sweet meaning as to why she got it.
In a video of Kym showing her dad the tattoo for the first time, the star can be heard telling David: "Because I never normally treat myself to anything on my birthday, I thought what would mean more to me than anything in the world. So, I decided to give myself a little reminder of you."
In her caption Kym explaining why she had opted to have an image of an ice cream inked on her arm, writing: " So…..I’ve had a new tattoo for my dad!!! Since his incurable cancer diagnosis he has been obsessed with ice cream! He literally has one every day! So I got an ice cream on the inside of my fore arm for him to remind me of my wonderful dad, Every time I look at it!! He’s the best ever! Love you dad."
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