express.co.uk
11.06.2022 / 14:51
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Gemma Atkinson fans 'in tears' as Emmerdale star says dad died so nephew could live
Gemma Atkinson spoke candidly about her family loss as she took to Instagram and opened up about her heartbreaking loss today.The former soap star said 21 years ago she received the devastating news that her father had died of a heart attack.The 37-year-old actress and radio star recalled the moment her sister's son Tyler had been hospitalised and just three months later her father sadly died.Gemma was just 17 at the time of her dad's death but revealed he had asked to "swap places" with Tyler after he had fallen ill.Medical staff at the Royal Manchester children's hospital had previously informed the family that Tyler, who had contracted meningitis, would not survive.But the actress recalled her father asking out loud to take his grandson's place and let him live.In view of her 1.8 million followers, Gemma began: "Tonight, I'm hosting a charity ball at the Royal Manchester children's hospital, who are literally incredible. One of the best children's hospitals."The reason I'm involved in the children's Royal Manchester hospital is quite a spooky story, actually."My nephew, Tyler - he is absolutely fine now - gorgeous, really handsome, just a beautiful lad, when he was a tiny baby he had meningitis.