Charlie King, who once dated TOWIE icon Gemma Collins, shared the heartbreaking news with fans and thanked everyone who had reached out.
The Only Way Is Essex alum Charlie King has announced the death of his father following a long health battle. The star shared an emotional tribute with fans, describing the loss as “bittersweet” as he reflected on his dad’s illness.
In a heartfelt message, the 40 year old said: “This week has been the most bittersweet version of events you could imagine. I’ve never experienced a significant loss like this in my life, and it’s blown my mind how someone can be here one minute and gone the next.
“My dad was a poorly man, who has been fading away for sometime. It’s not been easy to witness, and there is part of me that is relieved he is no longer fading or suffering.”
Charlie also shared that he had been by his father’s side in his final moments, something he said has helped ease the pain.
He added: “The comfort I have is I was with him until the end, and he knew it was OK to close his eyes for one last time.”
The reality star, who rose to fame on the ITV2 show in 2012, thanked fans for their support as he and his family come to terms with their loss.
He said: “The aftermath is never nice or easy. My brain is full of so many things, but I just wanted to thank so many of you who have reached out with a little heart.
“Comfort at this time is the best sort of feeling you can give, so thank you. Day by day.”
Charlie has previously been open about his struggles in recent months, admitting late last year that he had hit “rock bottom” as his health and wellbeing suffered.
The reality star, who has spoken candidly about having body dysmorphic disorder, said: “It was never about having abs and losing abs.
“It was more just to show that I was someone that used to have quite a good relationship with his mind and body, and I would do the right things to make me feel good.
“And this year especially, I have let it all spiral. I have lost all sense of control, purpose, direction, and it’s really caused a lot of self-sabotage, where I’ve not wanted to look after myself, I’ve almost been in rebellion, looking after myself.”
“But I don’t like the feeling, and it’s got to stop, and it’s taking that accountability to sort of make the right moves moving forward.”
Earlier this year he teamed up with NHS Talking Therapies campaign to help raise awareness of misunderstood anxiety conditions, including body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), PTSD, OCD, social anxiety, panic disorder and phobias.
Sharing a photo of him running a half marathon, he wrote: “When my body dysmorphic disorder was at its worst, being able to run a half marathon was something I never thought possible.” He then added, “Reaching out for help marked a turning point and I was able to manage my symptoms.
“Crossing that finish line was the first time in a long time that I had felt proud of myself. I look at this photo and truly appreciate myself.”
If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk.
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