Jo Whiley has announced the death of her father Martin Whiley. The radio and TV presenter shared the news in an emotional statement on Instagram.
'He was the kindest man'
She wrote: 'My lovely Dad died today. He was the kindest man, who lived solely to make others happy. He was supremely selfless and loved nothing more than caring for others and making people laugh.'
A beloved character
Whiley added: 'I’ve had so many messages today saying that ‘Martin was a character’ and that sums him up completely. Everyone knew Martin Whiley - in the Pub, in his Village and at the school gates when he picked up my children (he was the BEST Manny EVER long before they became trendy).'
Musical influence
She credited her father for her love of music, recalling how he walked around building sites with a ghetto blaster while working as an electrician. 'His love for Elbow, Coldplay and Dido was unrivaled,' she said.
Overcoming a sad childhood
Whiley described her father's difficult early life: 'When he was a boy he had TB and was sent alone to a sanitarium in London for 2 years which is why we’re all Spurs fans! From a young age he had no parents and was brought up by a family friend, his beloved Pap.'
Devoted father and grandfather
She continued: 'Being the father of someone with Learning Disabilities in the 70’s meant that life has had its challenges but Dad has been such a force for good in the LD world simply by embracing & loving everyone with a difference.' She concluded: 'He was the greatest Dad and he was everybody’s favourite Grandad, but especially to India, Jude, Cass and Coco who adored him.'
