Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas chronicles his grief

Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas has released a heartbreaking video following his first night at home alone with his son following his wife’s shocking death three months ago. 

Mr Thomas, 45, lived happily in the Berkshire home he shared with his wife Gemma, 40, and their eight-year-old son Ethan until her untimely death in November. 

Mrs Thomas was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in November and died ‘surrounded by her family and friends’ three days later.

Sky Sports star Simon Thomas, pictured, has updated his followers about the first night he and his son Ethan, 8, have spent alone at the home they shared with his late wife Gemma, 40

Gemma Thomas, right, died in November three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Her husband, Simon, left, has updated followers online of his grieving process

Gemma Thomas, right, died in November three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Her husband, Simon, left, has updated followers online of his grieving process

During the candid video, Mr Thomas, right, said it was especially difficult for their son Ethan, left, who desperately misses his mother, especially during important periods of his life

During the candid video, Mr Thomas, right, said it was especially difficult for their son Ethan, left, who desperately misses his mother, especially during important periods of his life

In the video which was shot at the family’s home, Mr Thomas commented on his first night alone with his son since his wife’s death: ‘It’s everything I feared it would be – it’s just cr*p.’ 

Mr Thomas thanked his friends and family for their support over the past three months, but he explained it was difficult for himself and his son to accept that Gemma was not coming home. 

He said: ‘I’m sitting in the seat Gemma used to sit in,” he said choking up.

‘You take those nights at home alone for granted because you think they’ll last but they don’t.

‘It’s really hard. She should be here but she’s not.’

He said his wife’s death has changed the atmosphere in the house. ‘It feels very, very quiet. I’ve had the normal sounds on the house but the most important one – my wife’s voice – is gone.’ 

Also, his wife’s death is having a dramatic impact on their son: ‘Ethan found bed time very hard because the reality is hitting that it’s just the two of us.

‘And with no brothers or sisters it’s doubly hard. Because a loss of a parent is hard full-stop but he’s not got the company of siblings to share this experience. He’ just got me.

Mr Thomas, right, said it was hard for Ethan because he has lost his mother and is an only child

Mr Thomas, right, said it was hard for Ethan because he has lost his mother and is an only child

Mr Thomas said his son really missed his mother when he was a mascot at Norwich FC

Mr Thomas said his son really missed his mother when he was a mascot at Norwich FC

‘I think he feels the absence of his mum more keenly now than he has in other weeks.

‘He said “Daddy, I’ve done all these amazing things – I was the mascot at Norwich, and mummy’s not been here to see any of it and I’m really sad.”‘ 

The video is the latest social media update by the former Blue Peter star as he attempts to deal with his wife’s untimely death. 

He has told his followers of his battle with depression and his struggle since November

What is acute myeloid leukaemia?

Acute myeloid leukaemia is an aggressive and rare form of blood cancer.

The symptoms of AML usually develop over a few weeks and become more severe. 

According to NHS Choices, the symptoms include: 

  • Pale Skin
  • Tiredness
  • Breathlessness
  • Frequent infections
  • Unusual and frequent bleeding – including the gums and nosebleeds

In advanced cases, patients are incredibly vulnerable to life-threatening infections and internal bleeding. 

If a GP suspects leukaemia, they will arrange a blood test to determine blood cell production. 

In AML, stem cells within the patient’s bone marrow produce too many immature white blood cells, which are not capable of fighting infection. 

This also can lead to a decrease in production of the oxygen-carrying red blood cells and platelets that help the blood to clot. 

Each year around 2,600 people in the UK are diagnosed with blood cancer. 

After diagnosis, patients need urgent chemotherapy due to the aggressive nature of the cancer. 

In some cases, radiotherapy may be needed along with a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. 

Source: NHS Choices 

 

 

 

 



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