Donna Air has announced the tragic death of her beloved father, Trevor, who lost his brave battle with cancer. The TV personality, 46, took to Instagram on Friday with a heartbreaking post, marking one week since his passing in a hospital in Northumbria at the age of 65.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Donna described saying goodbye as the 'hardest' thing she has ever done but took comfort in knowing he was no longer in pain. She shared several throwback photos and a clip of them dancing at a wedding, referring to him as her 'favourite dance partner'.
In her emotional post, she wrote: 'One week without you, Dad. Nothing feels quite right since you’ve gone. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but I take comfort in knowing we were together, that you felt loved, and that you are no longer suffering.'
She added: 'Cancer is such a cruel disease. Watching it take so much from you, and seeing the pain you endured, has broken my heart. It’s also been life-changing to witness how many families are walking this same path.'
Memories and Gratitude
Donna expressed how much she will miss her father: 'I’m going to miss you so very much, your silly sense of humour (even at the end), your cheeky smile, your inappropriate jokes, and our shared love of music, nature, and freedom.' She also mentioned missing their conversations, storytelling, and dancing together.
She thanked the palliative care team at Wansbeck Hospital, which she described as a 'second home' over the past six months, and acknowledged the support of dear friends. She humorously noted that her father 'holds the record for busiest bedside at the hospital, taking notes, and bossing us all around with your very niche requests.'
She concluded: 'But most of all, I’m grateful to you dad. For the life you gave me, the sacrifices you made, memories shared, and for fighting as hard as you did so we could have more moments together. You will always be my favourite dance partner.'
Condolences from Friends
Fans and famous friends quickly offered their condolences. Stacey Dooley wrote: 'Oh sis. I’m so so so terribly sorry. Love you. How lucky you both were to have had each other.' Myleene Klass said: 'I’m so sorry,' while Gabby Logan added: 'So sorry Donna. Sending you lots of love.' Frida Redknapp also sent 'big hugs.'
Remembering Her Father
In 2018, Donna wrote about her father for the Mail On Sunday, describing him as an 'undiscovered rock star.' He worked as an engineer and, with his childhood sweetheart Marie, a BT receptionist, had their first child, Donna, at age 18, later welcoming Francesca and Alexander.
She recalled: 'I absorbed his love of music, which definitely secured my MTV gig aged 17. He taught me how to fly a plane and play a paradiddle drum rhythm. When I called him at 19 to say my boyfriend was taking me on his Harley-Davidson, he simply said: ‘Cool, that’s nice pet, but always remember – lean with the bike!’'
She added: 'He was always affectionate. Some men now feel confused. Can’t they give a girl or woman a hug who isn’t their daughter? He’s the only man who has been with me my whole life and knows he’s irreplaceable.'
