The mother of The Traitors winner Rachel Duffy has sadly passed away, just days after the Newry woman spoke of her plans to use her prize money to treat her beloved mum.
Rachel announced the passing of her mother, Anne, in a heartfelt message shared on social media on Tuesday morning.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful wee mummy,” she wrote. “We kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves during this difficult time.”
The 42-year-old, who was crowned winner of the BBC reality show on Friday, has spoken openly and lovingly about her mother throughout her time on the programme and in interviews since her victory.
Rachel had previously revealed that her mum had been living with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, and that her health had deteriorated significantly since filming for the show took place last May.
Speaking over the weekend, she said her original hope had been to use her £47,000 winnings to take her mum on a dream holiday, but acknowledged that Anne was no longer well enough to travel.
“I’m not booking a big holiday,” she told the Belfast Telegraph. “My mum’s health has gone downhill, so she’s not fit for travelling, but I want to do something really nice for her.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.
Dr Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO of Dementia UK, said: “We’re sorry to hear that Anne has died having lived with Parkinson’s and dementia. Everyone at Dementia UK sends our condolences to Anne’s family and hope they are receiving the support they need at this difficult time. Through her appearance on The Traitors, Anne’s daughter Rachel spoke candidly about her experience of dementia, helping to raise awareness for condition and the way it affects families across the UK. We thank Rachel for her honesty – we know it is not easy to speak publicly about the impact dementia can have, but in doing so she will have encouraged others to reach out for the support they need.
“We urge families affected by dementia to reach out to our specialist Helpline. Staffed by dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, our Helpline offers support and guidance on all stages of dementia, including grieving for a loved one. Anyone affected by dementia can contact the Helpline by calling 0800 888 6678 or emailing helpline@dementiauk.org.”
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