Gemma Collins has announced the death of her mother, Joan, at the age of 70. The former TOWIE star described her heart as 'shattered into a million pieces' in an emotional Instagram post.
Instagram tribute
Collins wrote: 'My heart is shattered into a million pieces. Today our beautiful mum passed away peacefully surrounded by LOVE Mum. Today, every piece of my heart left with you. No words will ever be enough to thank you for loving me, guiding me, and being my mum. You gave me life, you gave me strength, and you gave me memories that I will carry for every day I have left.'
She added: 'The house will never sound the same without you. Your voice, your smile, your little ways, they are woven into every corner of my life. I will miss you more than I could ever put into words.'
Message of hope
Collins expressed hope that her mother is now free from pain: 'I hope you are finally free from pain. I hope you can walk again, laugh again, and feel light. I hope you are surrounded by peace and by everyone who has gone before you, watching over us with love.'
She thanked her mother for 'every hug, every sacrifice, every lesson, and every moment' and said being her daughter was 'the greatest privilege'.
Collins concluded: 'Until we meet again, I will carry your love with me. I will look for you in the sunrise, in the flowers, in the birds singing, and in the quiet moments when I need you most. Sleep peacefully, my beautiful Mum what gives me comfort was today we was all with you. You will be loved forever, missed every single day, and never, ever forgotten.'
