Denise Welch dad dies: Loose Women star 'grief stricken'

Loose Women star Denise Welch is ‘heartbroken’ following the death of her father Vin Welch aged 84.

The TV star shared the news that her beloved dad had died at 11pm on Tuesday night after battling several health issues, including pulmonary fibrosis.

The 63-year-old shared a picture of her hand holding her dad’s, and wrote on Instagram: ‘The words I’ve dreaded saying all of my life. Last night at 11pm, we lost our dad, the life force that was Vin Welch. After making a miraculous recovery recently from major surgeries, pneumonia plus his existing pulmonary fibrosis was more than even he could take.

‘He left us surrounded by his family who could not have loved anyone more.

‘I can’t quite function as I’m so grief stricken, but I know he meant so much to so many people, even those who’d never met him.

‘I’ve never seen anyone fight to stay longer at a party than dad and last night was no different. He loved life and lived it to the full like no other.

‘The nurses in Ward 6 at Durham University hospital will forever be in our hearts as they gave dad the most peaceful passing anyone could wish for. They adored him and he them. Heather, Helen, Lauren, Naz, Chloe, Graham, Debs to name but a few. We will NEVER forget you. Love you dad. Heartbroken.’

Kate Thornton was among those sharing her condolences, commenting: ‘I’m so desperately sorry. He was a life force. He twinkled and sparkled like no other and has left a Vin shaped hole in all our heart’s Den. He was truly special.’

Tamzin Outhwaite wrote: ‘Oh no, I am so so sorry Den… devastated for you. Sending you love & light’, while Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor commented: ‘Den, what an incredible man he was. Such a beautiful soul. He will be forever in our hearts. Love you.’

Denise had previously shared her dad’s health battles on social media, and in July, she posted a video of him cycling after being discharged from hospital.

She wrote: ‘It’s VE Day!!! Vins escape from hospital!!! Over 4 long months in 3 different hospitals, 3 major surgeries, post operative delirium, sometimes no visitors, he’s back with us and today being brilliantly looked after by Nurse Ratched……sorry Townley!!! A long way to go to build up strength and mobility but @debbiededes and I couldn’t be more proud of our amazing dad!!’

Former Corrie star Denise was extremely close with Vin, and he often accompanied her to showbiz events, including North West’s Got Talent.

Vin – also dad to Denise’s sister Debbie – was instrumental in his daughter pursuing acting, as he encouraged her to apply for the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, rather than teacher training college.

Vin is survived by his two daughters and his grandchildren, including Denise’s sons, The 1975 star Matty, 32, and Louis, 20.

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