Helen Skelton in tears as she chokes up over her tribute to Kym Marsh's father

15 January 2024 , 15:40

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Helen Skelton in tears as she chokes up over her tribute to Kym Marsh's dad on Morning Live (Image: BBC)

Helen Skelton got emotional as she paid tribute to Kym Marsh's father David on Morning Live following his death from prostate cancer.

A spokesperson for Kym, 47, announced David Marsh's passing on Friday 12 January, with a statement issued on behalf of Kym's family. Following his death, Kym broke her silence with a picture of her and her dad. "For the first time in my life... I have no words," she said. "I love you, dad. Always and forever. Rest easy Pops. Goodnight god bless."

Dave was previously featured on the show along with Corrie's Kym as he raised public awareness of the disease after being diagnosed in 2021. Dave put off going for a health check-up during the pandemic and by the time he saw a doctor, the disease had already spread to other parts of his body, like his pelvis and spine.

On Monday, 40-year-old Countryfile presenter Helen teared up as she said spending time with Dave was like "spending time in the sunshine".

Helen said spending time with Dave was like 'spending time in the sunshine' (BBC)

Speaking to co-host Gethin Jones, she said: "[He was] the warmest man, constantly making people laugh. I could recount story after story. I caught him once singing to a hotel receptionist; she'd done a twelve-hour shift, she'd had a difficult day and everyone in the reception was singing at her - why? Because he made her day great."

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Morning Live also shared their tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter. They said: "Kym and her Dad, Dave Marsh, worked tirelessly to raise awareness of prostate cancer after Dave's diagnosis. Sadly Dave lost his fight with the disease on Friday so we want to share his story and keep his legacy alive, and encourage men with symptoms to get checked."

Dave passed away earlier this month (xxxxxx/Instagram)

After his death, a statement from his family read: "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."

During a broadcast on Morning Live last year, Kym offered some upsetting news about her dad's health, revealing that he didn't have much time left as the cancer had spread. Her co-host Gethin Jones, 45, quizzed Kym on her father's current health as the BBC show aired in November.

As she discussed how the cancer spread, she said: "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."

Zara Woodcock