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(Image: Instagram)

Simon Thomas's dad dies after ex-Sky Sports presenter loses wife to leukaemia

Ex-Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas has revealed that his father has died at the age of 78

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Simon Thomas has revealed that his father has died aged 78.

The former Sky Sports presenter shared the sad news on Instagram on Friday evening, telling his dad "we will always love you".

His father's death comes after he lost his wife Gemma to leukaemia in 2017, just three days after she was diagnosed. She was just 40.

Simon had shared his heartbreak over not being able to see his dad due to him being in a care home and considered vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.

Alongside a picture of his parents together, Simon wrote tonight: "Goodbye Dad. We will always love you."

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Simon Thomas has revealed that his dad has died(Image: simonjthomassky/Instagram)
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He shared this picture of his parents(Image: Instagram)

Simon then shared the beautiful sentiment his son Ethan, 10, had about his grandad.

The dad-of-one continued: "Perhaps the words of Ethan earlier this week sum it up best when I asked him how he was feeling about Grandpa being ill, he said this: 'I feel sad but Grandpa's got lots to be proud of.

"'Producing three beautiful children (definitely right on Becky and Hannah), got to marry and spend his whole life with lovely Grandma and spent his life serving God.'"

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His dad had been in a care home before he died and Simon couldn't visit him due to the coronavirus pandemic(Image: simonthomastv/Instagram)

Simon added: "Farewell Dad. You were the absolute best. We love you xxx

"16/12/41 - 29/05/20."

Before he died Simon shared his sadness over not being allowed to drive to Norfolk to see his dad in residential care.

In an emotional post on Instagram, Simon uploaded a shot of himself FaceTiming his father.

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Simon and his late wife Gemma Thomas(Image: Simon Thomas/Instagram)

He captioned the post: "FaceTiming the old man today. For lots of people this is a really tough time.

"It’s especially hard for those in care homes. Visits from family and friends are often all that residents have to look forward to each day.

"Now they face an indefinite period where those visits can't happen. Wish I was able to drive up to Norfolk and give my Dad a wave through the window.

"But for now, FaceTime, phone calls and a few cards from Ethan will to do."