TV star Anna Richardson has shared the news that her father, Jim, has died after battling dementia for almost a decade, describing him as ‘fun-loving’ and ‘complex’
Anna Richardson has announced the death of her father, Jim. Having battled dementia for almost a decade, Jim died on June 25, two weeks after being admitted to the hospital with heart failure, pneumonia, and a collapsed lung.
While Jim was in hospital for his final two weeks, Anna and one of her brothers “set up camp” beside her dad, a former Church of England canon and likened them to “two gargoyles guarding the entrance of a church” as they watched over him.
Taking to Instagram, the 55-year-old shared a string of images with her dad, including ones from his hospital stay. She said: “Death is strange. We spend our lives trying not to talk about it, until one day, it’s the only thing in the room. We burst into this world fighting for breath, and so often we leave it in exactly the same way. It’s messy, physical, and at times, totally undignified. Just like birth.
“My Dad spent his final two weeks in hospital with heart failure, pneumonia, and a collapsed lung. His body may have been failing him, but his will to live was astonishing.”
Anna went on to say that she would feed her dad grapes and tinned peaches while attempting to convince herself that if he got out of bed, her family could have had “another few weeks together” with him. But when Jim’s heart became “too week,” Anna and her brother decided to spend all their time in the hospital with him.
“He took his last breath on June 25th – my mother’s Birthday,” she said, adding that it was “strange” that he had held on for this. She said: “What an extraordinary life he’s had…a working class lad from south east London, who knew he had a calling.
“He travelled the world, worked closely with every faith, met the Pope, received his OBE from Queen Elizabeth, all while ministering to his congregation in the Church of England. His last great adventure was making the Love, Loss & Dementia documentary with me for Channel 4.
“He was fun-loving, private, difficult, thoughtful, and oh-so complex – but he was my Dad. And I loved him. Even though he wasn’t afraid of death, he didn’t want to go just yet. He believed he was going to the company of Angels – I hope so very much that he’s right.”
“God bless, Dad,” Anna signed off with. Anna has been vocal about her father’s dementia over the years, raising awareness of the illness and the need for more support for people affected by the devastating condition.
Her post was flooded with messages of condolence and support, with Ruth Langsford saying: “I’m so very sorry Anna. Grief is the price we pay for love and you clearly loved your Dad so much. The documentary you made with him about Alzheimer’s was so very moving and powerful. Sending you and your family love.”
“Oh Anna. I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending you all my love,” added Andrea McLean. Gok Wan typed: “Sending you so much love my darling. Here if you need anything at all. Thinking of you my love.”
The Alzheimer’s Society said: “We’re so sorry to hear this sad news, Anna. Jim was fantastic in Love, Loss and Dementia, and we were incredibly privileged to get to see you two together in the show. Sending our love to you and all your family at this difficult time.”
Gaby Roslin replied: “Darling Anna sending you so much love and so many tight hugs.” Meanwhile, Sue Perkins said: “God bless Jiminy. May he be sat at the top table on high eating crusty bread & butter followed by endless dessert.”
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Dementia UK.
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