Overview
- Whiley said in an Instagram post on Tuesday that her father Martin died after a recent health decline, calling him “the kindest man” and sharing photos and memories of their life together.
- She told listeners on her Dig It podcast that Martin was rushed to hospital with a bleed on the brain, was later moved to a ward to be kept comfortable, and family members were given time to say their goodbyes.
- On the podcast Whiley described intimate final moments, including that relatives spoke to him because hearing is often the last sense to go and that Martin, near unconscious, spoke his daughter Frances’ name.
- Whiley recalled his difficult childhood and credited him with sparking her love of music and with being a tireless supporter of her sister Frances, who has cri du chat syndrome, calling Martin a ‘force for good’ in the learning-disability community.
- Colleagues and public figures, including BBC Radio 2, Zoe Ball, Jamie Oliver and Russell T Davies, posted condolences; no public details about funeral arrangements or further medical specifics have been reported.