Television presenter and Loose Women panellist Nadia Sawalha has shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of her family's beloved nanny, Pat, who she described as a 'second mum' to her daughters. In an emotional social media tribute, the 61-year-old star revealed that Pat had been an integral part of their family for more than ten years, providing unwavering support and love.
A Heartfelt Tribute to a Cherished Carer
Nadia Sawalha posted a series of nostalgic family photographs alongside a deeply personal message honouring Pat's memory. She wrote about how Pat became like a 'second mum' to her children, Maddie, 23, and Kiki, 18, whom she shares with husband Mark Adderley. The presenter expressed that Pat was not just a nanny but a 'bonus Nan' to the girls, always equipped with a tissue in her cardigan sleeve and a sweet in her pocket to comfort them.
The Unbreakable Bond Between Carer and Family
In her tribute, Nadia emphasised the unique and profound connection Pat had with her daughters. She stated, 'I never had to worry when I was at work or play because I knew they had someone looking after them that loved them as much as I did.' Remarkably, Nadia shared that she never felt jealous of the affection her children had for Pat, instead cherishing it. 'I know many working mums find it difficult when their children love their carer as much as their mum, but I never did. I loved how much they loved you,' she wrote.
Nadia highlighted the practical life lessons Pat imparted to her daughters, which she humorously admitted she could not teach herself. These included maintaining a tidy room, placing laundry correctly in the washing basket, and crossing roads safely. Pat also helped with routine tasks like cleaning guinea pig cages and shared quiet moments playing word searches or watching television shows like Deal Or No Deal with the girls.
A Pillar of Support and Friendship
The Loose Women star concluded her message by acknowledging Pat's role as a friend and support system for herself as well. 'Pat you weren’t only the girls second mum and friend you were also mine,' she wrote, noting that Pat had been a constant presence in their daily lives for over a decade, accompanying them on travels and enriching their family experiences. Nadia's husband, Mark Adderley, also commented on the post, describing Pat as foundational to their family and a dear friend who could match his banter.
A Month of Personal Loss for Nadia Sawalha
This sad announcement comes during a particularly difficult period for Nadia, who recently lost her close friend Hannah Gardner to breast cancer. Hannah, who was 39, had been battling the disease for 13 years and had appeared on Loose Women to discuss her illness. Nadia had previously fought back tears while paying tribute to Hannah on the show, recalling their first meeting on a charity trek.
Together, Nadia and Hannah had campaigned for the drug Enhertu to be made available on the NHS for secondary breast cancer patients. Despite their efforts, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) decided against approving the drug last year, leaving around 1,000 patients without access to this potentially life-extending treatment. Hannah had been diagnosed with stage four incurable breast cancer, which had spread to her liver.
The dual loss of both her cherished nanny and a close friend within a short timeframe has undoubtedly been a profound emotional challenge for Nadia Sawalha, highlighting the personal struggles behind her public persona.
