SO SAD: BBC Radio 2 Presenter Shares Heartbreaking Announcement Following the Loss of a Loved One.
Jo Whiley was heartbroken (Image: PA)
BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley shared a heartbreaking tribute to Instagram on Tuesday as she announced the death of her father Martin. She described him as an “absolute legend” in an emotional post.
Jo, 60, posted a touching collection of photographs and video clips spanning the years, alongside the caption: “My lovely Dad died today.” She went on: “He was the kindest man, who lived solely to make others happy. He was supremely selfless and loved nothing more than caring for others and making people laugh. I’ve had so many messages today saying that ‘Martin was a character’ and that sums him up completely. Everyone knew Martin Whiley – in the Pub, in his Village and at the school gates when he picked up my children (he was the BEST Manny EVER long before they became trendy)”.
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The much-loved DJ went on to credit Martin for giving her “love of music”. Jo added: “He used to walk around the building site where he worked as an electrician with a huge ghetto blaster – the OG DJ and his passion for music never went away. His love for Elbow, Coldplay and Dido were unrivalled.”
Jo shared: “His childhood was as sad as it gets. When he was a boy, he had TB and was sent alone to a sanitarium in London for 2 years, which is why we’re all Spurs fans!
“From a young age, he had no parents and was brought up by a family friend, his beloved Pap. Meeting my Mum meant that Dad got a family of his own and finally got to experience love. Knowing how it felt not to be cared for, he devoted his life to caring for others.”
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The rumoured Celebrity Bake Off contestant paid tribute to Martin for giving her and her sister Frances, who has cri du chat syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that can cause severe learning disabilities, a childhood filled with joy.
Jo wrote: “Being the father of someone with Learning Disabilities in the 70’s meant that life has had its challenges but Dad has been such a force for good in the LD world simply by embracing + loving everyone with a difference. So many great singalongs at the Rockin’ Roadrunner with Dad on the mic.”
“He may have had the saddest childhood but he triumphed by giving me, Frances, and his grandchildren the happiest childhoods anyone could have dreamt of.”
She concluded: “He was the greatest Dad and he was everybody’s favourite Grandad, but especially to India, Jude, Cass and Coco who adored him.
“Ps. From Frances – thanks for the endless stories, night after night, all night long. We’re going to miss you so very much. You absolute legend xx (sic).”
Jo’s famous friends offered their heartfelt condolences beneath the post. Singer Jason Donovan, 58, whose dad, actor Terence Donovan died on July 18, aged 90 wrote: “Jo and family. Sending so much love to you all! What wonderful words and tribute to your Dad. Donovan’s.”
Magic Radio presenter Gaby Ros lin, 62, wrote: “So so much love to you Jo and your whole family. What a beautiful tribute. He’ll be in your hearts forever. What a special man he sounded and his love will live on.”
Meanwhile, TV presenter Davina McCall, 58, added: “Oh Jo x sending you all love x.”
