Tom Daley struggles with father’s death ahead of his wedding to Dustin Lance Black

His dad passed away after a battle with cancer

Tom Daley

by Owen Tonks |
Published on

Tom Daley has spoken out about still finding the death of his father difficult to cope with, especially as his wedding to fiancé Dustin Lance Black approaches.

The Olympic diver, 22, lost his dad Rob to cancer in 2011 after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006.

Tom Daley father dad Rob Daley Gordon Brown
Tom and his father Rob with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown (Getty Images)

And, while the sportsman can remember going to visit his parent in hospital as he received treatment when he was as young as 12, he now realises he wasn’t made aware of how sick his dad was.

During an appearance on Loose Women, Tom said: “He didn’t tell me how ill he was. I understand why, he was trying to protect me.”

Tom Daley Dustin Lance Black
Tom wishes his dad could be at his wedding to fiancé Dustin Lance Black (Getty Images)

The star’s father was known for being incredibly supportive of Tom and would often be pictured with him at his competitions and sporting events.

And Tom is especially sad that he won’t be there as he says “I do” to his 42-year-old screenwriter partner Dustin.

Tom Daley
Rob Daley supported his son Tom throughout his diving career (Getty Images)

Tom, who claims it was “love at first sight” for the couple, is “very excited” for their wedding day which they have been planning ever since he proposed to Dustin in their spare room while wearing just his underwear.

Television star Tom’s mother has been very supportive of her son since he came out as gay in 2013 and he believes his dad would have been too, as he always told him: “As long as you are happy, I’m happy.”

Do you understand Tom’s heartbreaking feelings? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

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