Loose Women panellist Nadia Sawalha has shared a deeply moving and heartfelt tribute following the passing of her former nanny, Pat. The television personality described Pat as a "second mum" to her two daughters and an indispensable source of support for her family for more than ten years.
A Cherished Figure in the Family
In an emotional post on her Instagram account, the 57-year-old star, who shares daughters Maddie, 22, and Kiki, 17, with husband Mark Adderley, expressed the profound impact Pat had on their lives. She revealed that Pat was with the family "almost everyday," providing constant care and love.
"You Were Their Constant, Their Reliable"
Nadia's tribute painted a vivid picture of Pat's nurturing role. "Pat.. how can I put into words what you meant to this family," she wrote. "You were our precious girls' second mum, a ‘bonus’ Nan." She fondly recalled the small, comforting gestures that defined Pat's care, noting she was "the kind of Nan who always had a tissue up her cardi sleeve and a sweetie in her pocket to just make ‘everything ok‘."
The Loose Women star emphasised the security Pat provided, stating she "never had to worry" while at work because she knew her children were with someone who "loved them" as much as she did. "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," Nadia expressed.
Lessons and Lasting Bonds
Nadia credited Pat with teaching her daughters practical life skills and virtues she "never could," from tidying their rooms and safely crossing the road to pairing socks and "how to have patience." She described their dynamic as "ying and yang mamas," highlighting how their personalities complemented each other.
The tribute extended beyond Pat's role with the children. "Pat you weren’t only the girls' second mum and friend you were also mine," Nadia wrote. "You were such a support to me for over a decade. We travelled far and wide and we loved you seeing the world with us."
A Final Farewell to a "Damn Fine Woman"
Concluding her poignant message, Nadia wrote, "You will always live in our hearts and mind Pat. Rest now you deserve the most beautiful of rests as you were a damn fine woman and our family was a better one for you being such a big part of it."
Recent Personal Revelations
This heartfelt tribute comes shortly after Nadia opened up about her marriage to Mark Adderley on their joint podcast, Coffee Moaning. She admitted to having nearly divorced him "many times," revealing, "We’ve been to marriage guidance councillors; we’ve worked our a***s off really to stay together."
Earlier, she was visibly emotional on Loose Women when discussing supporting Mark through his mental health struggles. "Mark does have mental health issues, and I support him through that from a position of being so lucky that I don't go through that," she said, becoming overwhelmed during the segment. "I just have so much, you know I do, empathy for those who struggle with their mental health."
The loss of Pat marks a significant moment for the Sawalha-Adderley family, as they mourn a woman who was far more than an employee—she was a cherished, integral part of their home life for over a decade.
