BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst strikes followers with poignant tribute as she braces herself for first Christmas with out her late father

BBC Breakfast star Nina Warhurst shared a poignant tribute while preparing herself for the first Christmas without her father.

Back in July, Nina, 45, announced that her father Chris had passed away after being diagnosed with dementia three years earlier.

Taking to Instagram, the journalist shared a reflective post accompanied by quotes and a photo of Chris.

She penned: ‘I am missing my Dad as we head to our first Christmas without him. Something is missing in the world and it hurts.’

Nina added: ‘This week I received this email from his former neighbour and it touched me deeply. 

‘We didn’t know this family but the words paint a gentleman who was warm and reliable. 

‘Someone who could breeze the chit-chat, but could be called on in a crisis. Someone with wisdom to offer perspective to bad luck. A good neighbour.

‘These are quiet and steady characteristics that are easily overlooked. Small gestures without fuss adding up to something much, much bigger. 

‘The world can feel bleak and hopeless but quiet things we do every day hold meaning, and it’s beautiful that a stranger wanted us to know they saw them in Dad.

‘[I added here my favourite Middlemarch quote (nearly gave up on it many times, but that small passage made the slog worth it). 

‘And one from Vonnegut, who I don’t know but I saved it from @lettersofnote Because the sentiment on trying every day is the same. “He was a fantastic man. ” He was.”

One follower commented: ‘It is so lovely when people take the time to send or say such words. 

‘My Dad died 17 years ago and still miss him. My Mum died 2 years ago and I still feel lost, ‘orphaned’. A strange feeling aged 60. X’

Another added: ‘Sending a hug, it will be our 3rd Christmas without Dad, forever in my heart. Remember precious memories, have a cry but lots of laughs too. Take care. X’

A third wrote: ‘I lost my dad 3 months ago. He too was a lovely, kind, gentle, unassuming man. 

‘I’ve had people send me lovely memories they had of him. I miss him so much. 

‘And my mum is bereft after 65 years together. We will face Christmas together. Sending hugs to you and yours x .’

‘So lovely. I lost my mum in July so know exactly how you are feeling’, a fourth shared.

While Nina’s sister Amy remarked: ‘So proud of him and us.’

At the time of Chris’ passing, Nina posted a black-and-white photo of her and her dad holding hands, confirming the sad news.

She explained how she spent three days by his side with her mum and sisters as they treasured the last moments.

They enjoyed afternoon tea, chips and wine together before he passed. 

On Instagram, she wrote: ‘My Dad died on Wednesday night.

‘From Sunday me, my Mum and sisters spent precious time with him around the clock….singing, crying, laughing, sharing memories.

‘On his last day we had nursing home afternoon tea, chippy chips and wine together.

Nina added: ‘He drifted away gently with me and Amy holding him and telling him to “go on ahead. We’ll see you there soon.” And he did. I had my hand on his heart as the ripples softened and stopped.

‘A gentle end to a gentle life. So much love and laughter and sunshine across days I’ll never forget.

‘He is in my mind all the time now as we adjust to a world without him in it. I can’t quite accept that’s real yet.

‘But we think it’s really important for anyone going through this to know that the end can be peaceful and beautiful.’