BBC Breakfast presenter heartbroken as she announces tragic family death

BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst has shared her heartbreak as she announced the death of her father Chris. He died in a care home on Wednesday July 2 following a battle with dementia. The 44-year-old mum of three took to Instagram to break the news sharing a black and white image of her hand intertwined with his. The accompanying caption said: "My Dad died on Wednesday night. From Sunday me, my Mum and sisters spent precious time with him around the clock....singing, crying, laughing, sharing memories. On his last day we had nursing home afternoon tea, chippy chips and wine together.

"He drifted away gently with me and Amy (Nina's sister) holding him and telling him to 'go head. We'll see you there soon.' And he did. I had my hand on his heart as the ripples softened and stopped. A gentle end to a gentle life. So much love and laughter and sunshine across days I'll never forget. He is in my mind all the time now as we adjust to a world without him in it. I can't quite accept that's real yet/ But we think it's really important for anyone going through this to know that the end can be peaceful and beautiful."

She concluded the heartfelt post by thanking all the care home staff who had helped her family.

"Kim, Daniel, Anna, Moody, Charlotte, Clara, Eddie, Obi, Sarah, Kat, Michael, Colin, Dorothy, Helen, Gracie and all the care home staff and residents who welcomed us in to their world and made it our home for those days and nights we can't thank you enough," she penned.

Chris, had been diagnosed with mixed dementia, which is Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, in 2022. In April this year she opened up onthe imapct of his condition on her life.

"I don't think I really became a proper grownup until we had to look after my Dad. Because of dementia, I lost the home I could go to and still be a child. I lost one of those few pillars of people who I knew would love me, whatever. I thought that support was lost.

"But now I know that just being with him is enough. I don't know if it's primal, hormonal, chemical, emotional..... but leaning my head on his chest and closing my eyes for a few minutes gives me the sense of safety and love that I've always had and that I still need. We don't chat and laugh and sing as much as we did, even up to last year.... But this is what we have left. And it's enough."

Nina was flooded with support in the comments after her sad announcement. "Oh Nina I'm so sorry for your loss. You gave him a beautiful send off and were with him as he passed and that means so much. Thinking of you and all the family so much xxx," one wrote.

"Oh Nina, I'm so sorry, sending so much love. But what a beautiful ending, that really is such a blessing," a second shared. A third chimed in: "Oh Nina, I'm so sorry, sending so much love. But what a beautiful ending, that really is such a blessing."

Meanwhile afourth added: "So sorry to read this in one way but happy that you were able to be with your beloved Dad right until the end. You have written so eloquently about your Dad's journey and the amazing love within your family over the months. Thank you for letting us share the ups and downs. Take time to grieve and then remember all the wonderful memories! Sending hugs and deepest sympathy to you and your family."