Dave Myers' words on life as a young carer to mum after tough health diagnosis

01 March 2024 , 14:15

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Dave Myers' words on life as a young carer to mum after tough health diagnosis

Grace Dent has paid tribute to Dave Myers in the wake of The Hairy Bikers legend's devastating death.

The I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 2023 star, 50, took to her Comfort Eating podcast today to reshare Dave's chat on the show and share her own memories of the late star.

Speaking to listeners, Grace explained how Dave's death had been announced earlier this week and admitted: "I know I'm not the only one flawed by this news, I'm sending my condolences to his family, his friends and of course, to Si [King]."

Grace went on to recall the first time she ever met her fellow Cumbrian, saying: "I remember the day Dave Myers rang my doorbell, walked into my lounge and came to talk to me for [this podcast. I can see right now how dapper he looked that day and how starstruck we all were - and of course, the stories he told us.

"We are going to reshare Dave's episode with you now as he is so honest about his childhood, his career and his friendship with Si. I think this gives you a good idea of the extraordinary life he had. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Dave Myers."

Hairy Bikers star Si King shares news as fans left gutted by show update

Grace Dent paid tribute to Dave Myers by sharing his appearance on her podcast with fans (James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)

During the chat, The Hairy Bikers star recalled his life growing up as a young carer

During the archived episode, originally released in January 2022, Dave discussed his unusual upbringing with older parents and how his life changed dramatically when he was just eight-years-old. During her chat with Dave five months before he shared his cancer diagnosis, Grace asked the cook about the moment his mum was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and his dad being forced to retire early from his job at the paper mill.

"It was hard. It was very hard," Dave admitted on the podcast. He continued to explain that they lived in a small house in Barrow where stairlifts weren't an option, which led to him becoming a young carer. "I was a young carer by default, but when you're a kid it just happens. You don't question it, you just are.", he recalled. "And sadly I don't think things have improved much these days. You know, if anything, there was a community then that helped."

The later Hairy Bikers star also shared some touching stories from his past. He talked about how his dad didn't know how to cook because he worked in a factory all his life and always had Dave's mum to make the food. Dave also told listeners how the first time he ever cooked for his dad was when his mum discovered she had multiple sclerosis, when Dave was only about seven or eight years old.

"I must have been about seven or eight and my dad was on the night shift. I heard a thump and mum had gone to bed and I was just playing downstairs in front of the telly," Dave said. "I heard a thump and mum was on her bedroom floor and she couldn't move and we didn't know what was wrong with her. She was very calm and said, 'No, it's alright. Your dad will be home at 10 o'clock,' but there was nothing for my dad's tea." Then, little Dave made a cheese and potato pie for his dad using a recipe from a cookbook that came with their old gas cooker.

Dave's beloved friend Si was the one to announce Dave's death yesterday, taking to The Hairy Bikers' social media channels to let fans know the tragic news of Dave's passing. "Hi everyone, I'm afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years," Si began as he captioned a collection of pictures of Dave taken over the years.

He continued: "Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave's wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home. All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own. Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can't follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime."

"I wish you god's speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya. I know Dave and his family would want me to thank all of you who sent messages of support in recent times. It meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team."

Si concluded the devastating update with: "I am sending you all much love and gratitude for those simple acts of kindness, generosity and spirit. We are eternally grateful for them. May I ask you all for one further kindness and allow Lili, his wife, his family, close friends and I some time and some peace to process our huge loss. I am sure I will see you all soon. Love Si x."

Zoe Delaney