Sympathies have been expressed to Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas after his wife Gemma passed away on Friday evening.
Thomas announced on Saturday morning that Gemma had passed just three days after being diagnosed with Leukemia.
Today I am crushed with indescribable pain. Just three days after falling ill with Acute Myloid Leukaemia, my dear wife Gemma passed away yesterday evening surrounded by her family and friends. If you are a prayer - pray for my boy Ethan. 8yrs, precious and in bits. Thank you.
Thomas told The Mirror that Gemma began to feel unwell last weekend and that she visited a doctor three times but they seemed unconcerned.
"They just said to rest, but on Monday we took her to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. After lots of tests they diagnosed her with blood cancer but they didn't know what," said Thomas.
Gemma began chemotherapy on Tuesday evening and initially responded well to the treatment. However, on Friday morning, her condition began to rapidly deteriorate. "I was told yesterday morning she would be gone in a few hours," the 44-year-old sadly disclosed.
Simon Thomas joined Sky Sports in 2005, showing his versatility through working on their football, cricket and golf coverage. Recently, he became one of the broadcaster's main presenters on their Premier League coverage.
The sports world has rallied around him following the tragic announcement.
Thomas is a life-long Norwich supporter. The club was one of the first to offer their sympathies.
Simon, the thoughts of everybody at Norwich City are with yourself, Ethan and everyone else who knew and loved Gemma at this sad time.
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) November 25, 2017
Simon, we are so sorry to hear the news. The thoughts of all at Burnley Football Club are with you and your family at this sad time. X
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) November 25, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss, Simon. Our thoughts are with you and your son, Ethan, at this incredibly difficult time.
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) November 25, 2017
So so sorry to read this Simon. Sincere condolences from everyone at Wolves. Our thoughts are with you and Ethan.
— Wolves (@Wolves) November 25, 2017
Simon, Ethan, you, your family and friends are in our thoughts. Gemma was such a warm, beautiful and lovely lady that I had the pleasure to meet several times. I am so sorry. Sending you love at this hard time and know we will be there for you all when needed x
— Natalie Sawyer (@nataliesawyer) November 25, 2017
Mate I have no adequate words. just so, so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and your family x
— Max Rushden (@maxrushden) November 25, 2017
There are no words. So sorry to hear my friend. Hold him close
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) November 25, 2017
Oh Simon. Sending all my love to you and your family. Deepest deepest sympathies.
— Rachel Riley (@RachelRileyRR) November 25, 2017
Simon, sending and you and Ethan love and all my prayers. I am so very sorry. If there is anything I can do, I’m here.
— Charlie Webster (@CharlieCW) November 25, 2017
So sorry to hear that Simon. Prayers and thoughts with you, Ethan and your family
— Manish Bhasin (@_manishbhasin) November 25, 2017
My thoughts are with you and little Ethan
— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) November 25, 2017
Thinking of you mate. So sorry
— Danny Care (@dannycare) November 25, 2017
There are no words Simon... sending all my love to you and Ethan
— Steph Houghton MBE (@stephhoughton2) November 25, 2017
