Sky presenter ‘crushed’ as wife dies three days after leukaemia diagnosis

'Today is the hardest pain I have ever felt.'

Carl Kinsella

Sky presenter ‘crushed’ as wife dies three days after leukaemia diagnosis

Simon Thomas, a presenter who has worked for Sky Sports for the last 12 years, revealed on Twitter today that his wife has passed away.

In a heartbreaking tweet, Thomas said that his wife Gemma had passed away from leukaemia just three days after being diagnosed with the illness.

He also asked readers to pray for his 8-year-old son Ethan, whom he described as “precious and in bits.”

He wrote, “Today I am crushed with indescribable pain. Just three days after falling ill with Acute Myloid Leukaemia, my dear wife Gemma passed away yesterday evening surrounded by her family and friends. If you are a prayer – pray for my boy Ethan. 8yrs, precious and in bits. Thank you.”

Today I am crushed with indescribable pain. Just three days after falling ill with Acute Myloid Leukaemia, my dear wife Gemma passed away yesterday evening surrounded by her family and friends. If you are a prayer – pray for my boy Ethan. 8yrs, precious and in bits. Thank you.

— Simon Thomas (@SimonThomasTV) November 25, 2017

Speaking to the Mirror, he explained that doctors were at first unconcerned with Gemma’s symptoms.

“She felt very unwell last weekend and we took her to the doctor’s three times, but three times they didn’t seem concerned,” he said

She was finally diagnosed in hospital during the week.

“For the first couple of days she was responding well, but yesterday morning she went downhill very quickly. She had bleeding on the brain. I was told yesterday morning she would be gone in a few hours.

“My little boy had a little time with her but she wasn’t able to speak to him. She passed away just before 6pm last night [Friday]. There was a real sense of peace. Today is the hardest pain I have ever felt.”

Many public figures have been quick to wish Thomas well following the tragic loss.

Mate I have no adequate words. just so, so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and your family x

— Max Rushden 💛🖤 (@maxrushden) November 25, 2017

So sorry to hear of your loss, Simon. Our thoughts are with you and your son, Ethan, at this incredibly difficult time.

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 25, 2017

I’m so deeply sorry to hear your heartbreaking news. Sending lots of love to you, your son and your family x

— Phillip Schofield (@Schofe) November 25, 2017

So sorry to hear of your loss Simon, thoughts with you and your boy mate X

— Darren Farley (@DFImpressionist) November 25, 2017

Simon, Ethan, you, your family and friends are in our thoughts. Gemma was such a warm, beautiful and lovely lady that I had the pleasure to meet several times. I am so sorry. Sending you love at this hard time and know we will be there for you all when needed x

— Natalie Sawyer 💙 (@nataliesawyer) November 25, 2017

Oh Simon. Sending all my love to you and your family. Deepest deepest sympathies.

— Rachel Riley MBE 💙 (@RachelRileyRR) November 25, 2017

Simon, the thoughts of everybody at Norwich City are with yourself, Ethan and everyone else who knew and loved Gemma at this sad time.

— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) November 25, 2017