Game of Thrones star Gemma Whelan has revealed that her mother, Sue, drowned while on holiday last year, leaving her family devastated. The actress, best known for playing Yara Greyjoy in the hit series, shared the news in a poignant social media post marking the one-year anniversary of her mother's death.
Gemma Whelan's Heartbreaking Tribute
Gemma, 45, who also stars in Gentleman Jack, posted a photo of open water on Instagram with the caption: "Today marks a year since my mighty mother drowned." She described the past year as "awful" as she navigated the heartbreak of grief and loss. In her post, she wrote: "It has been a year since we had the catastrophic shock that our brilliant bright mum had drowned abroad."
She continued: "There's such a big hole in me now, but most people wouldn't know, and while I place this carefully here, my intention is really to address the profound solitude and loneliness of a sudden tragic shocking death, where quite rightly and happily many people do not experience it and therefore can't relate. Although I fully acknowledge grief is different for everyone."
Message of Solidarity to Others Grieving
Gemma added: "I suppose I'm looking to say that if you're in a similar position of sudden loss and reeling from shock, as I continue to, you're not alone. What terrible things we can endure, and be ok in the not ok." She expressed that while the pain may never fully pass, she finds strength in her support network: "I have excellent friends and family and support and I forge forward with positivity and hope that the hole fills a little year on year with good memories of her and new memories with my kids."
The actress admitted she still reaches for her phone to call her mother: "I still go to call her, I still take photos thinking she'll love them and then remember. It's b****y awful. However, I am also happy and fulfilled and smiling for real most of the time."
Scattering of Ashes and Rebel Mother
Gemma revealed that some of her mother's ashes were scattered in Canada, where Sue was from, and the rest will go with her father in a river in the Lake District. She wrote: "The photo is where some of her is scattered in her native Canada, the rest will go with my dad in a river in the Lake District when no one is looking as apparently it's illegal to scatter willy nilly, but she'd love it if we got caught, forever the rebel. Love you mum."
Outpouring of Support from Fellow Celebrities
Her post, which has received over 6,500 likes, was flooded with messages of support. Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again star Alexa Davies commented: "I'm so sorry for your loss Gemma. Sending you all my love." Cressida Bonas wrote: "So much love to special you." EastEnders actress Harriet Thorpe said: "How utterly heartbreaking, sending all love to you and your family." Suranne Jones penned: "Sending love to you Gemma. I recognise the pain. I'm so sorry." Australian actress Celia Ireland added: "Oh darling, thank you for this tender reminder of the fragility of things. I'm carrying you in my heart... She is with you, every step you and your bairns take. Big love."
If you have been affected by this story, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help. Visit their website or call 0808 808 1677.
