Loose Women star Charlene White revealed her father Denniston has tragically taken his own life as she urged her followers to ‘hug their parents close.’
The panellist, 45, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Friday in an emotional statement.
She wrote: ‘Two weeks ago our lives changed forever. Unbeknownst to us, our dad had been living with a dark cloud he couldn’t lift. So he made the decision to take control of that cloud and take his own life.
‘This despite the fact he lived a life full of love. FULL to the brim. Overflowing in fact. But sometimes the darkness is stronger, and heartbreakingly for all of us, he chose to keep what he was going through to himself. Very typical of dad.
‘So we too have made a choice – his children, step-children, and wife – not to hide the circumstances of our loss. Because hiding emotions and the true depth of our feelings — hurt, pain, shock, grief etc. — helps no-one. Least of all us.
Loose Women star Charlene White revealed her father Denniston has sadly taken his own life on Instagram on Friday after ‘living with a dark cloud he couldn’t lift’
The panellist, 45, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Friday in an emotional statement
Charlene shared this tribute about her father alongside a smiling picture of him
‘This post will no doubt prompt many of our friends who we haven’t managed to reach out to yet, to contact us.
‘Please don’t be offended by any calls and messages that remain unanswered for now. This kind of grief is new and unexpected and we’re still finding our way.’
She added: ‘Hug your parents close, and always tell them that you love them. Because that’s sort of our job as children, to love them, no matter where the road eventually takes them. Even if they end up taking the hardest most unfathomable path.
‘But we have each other, and I don’t know how we’d ever be able to see a sliver of brightness and light in everyday without each other to lean on.
‘And the million extended family members, and tribes of friends who’ve held our hearts and our hands over the past two weeks.
‘On Sunday we had the traditional Jamaican nine night, and the ancestors were right – it was the most perfect way to release our grief through food, dancing, drink… and joy, with hundreds of friends and family. All organised by our tribe of friends and family. We’re incredibly blessed.
‘Denniston was an amazing dad, step dad, surrogate dad to many, friend, brother, grandad, uncle, cousin and husband. And we’re all just taking it step by step.
‘From Charlene, Liz, Joshua, Carina, Jade, Gemma, Justin, Soriah, Alfie, Florence, Kairo, Elisha and Shaniya.’
It has been a difficult year for Charlene, who has also lost her best friend Darrell in January after his battle with Sarcoma cancer
It has been a difficult year for Charlene, who has also lost her best friend Darrell in January.
The following month, the Loose Women panel were discussing grief, with Charlene breaking down when discussing Darrell’s death from Sarcoma cancer.
The presenter shared his incredible story and explained how he had joined forces with charity Sarcoma UK to try and raise awareness for the illness.
A week prior, she paid tribute to Darrell on social media, writing: ‘There will be many of you who will be aware of me talking about one of my oldest and best friends Darrell @djoptic and his mission to beat the enemy which is Sarcoma cancer.
‘In the early hours of Saturday morning, four and a half years after he was diagnosed, after a week of saying goodbyes to those he loved, sharing stories and banter, he took his final breath surrounded by his wonderful wife @mrsamymcdonald and children Maya and Theo.
‘He has been my brother since we met at 16 years old, I was the best man at his wedding, and godmother to his eldest.
‘The nonsense our little crew would get up to was hilarious back in the day, he was there for every milestone. My heart is broken into a million pieces.
‘He was by far one of the kindest men I’ve ever met, and throughout his treatment he made it his mission to shine a light on Sarcoma alongside @sarcoma_uk in the hope no other family had to go through what he and his family went through: raising awareness, raising money, educating doctors. He was quite simply, amazing.
‘His wife @mrsamymcdonald is honestly the best of all of us. I’ve watched her in awe over the past 4 years. I wish I could hug her pain away, because at this point life just feels very, very unfair.
‘I’m returning to work today, because I just don’t know what else to do tbh. Grief can sometimes just make you feel a little lost.
‘Message your besties and let them know how much they are loved xx.’
For confidential help and support contact Samaritans for free on 116 123
