Loose Women's Charlene White announces her dad has taken his own life in heartbreaking post

Loose Womenstar Charlene White has shared the heartbreaking news of her dad's death, revealing he took his own life two weeks ago. Charlene, 45, shared the devastating news in an Instagram post, sharing a photo of her beloved dad, Denniston, and paying tribute to him.

The photo showed Charlene's father smiling while standing on a beach at a sunny location. He wore a grey shirt and jeans as he leaned forward for the picture. In the caption, Charlene announced the tragic news, explaining her father was "living with a dark cloud".

She wrote: "Two weeks ago our lives changed forever. Unbeknownst to us, our dad had been living with a dark cloud he couldn’t lift. So he made the decision to take control of that cloud and take his own life.

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"This despite the fact he lived a life full of love. FULL to the brim. Overflowing in fact. But sometimes the darkness is stronger, and heartbreakingly for all of us, he chose to keep what he was going through to himself. Very typical of dad.

"So we too have made a choice - his children, step-children, and wife - not to hide the circumstances of our loss. Because hiding emotions and the true depth of our feelings — hurt, pain, shock, grief etc. — helps no-one. Least of all us."

Charlene continued: "This post will no doubt prompt many of our friends who we haven’t managed to reach out to yet, to contact us. Please don’t be offended by any calls and messages that remain unanswered for now. This kind of grief is new and unexpected and we’re still finding our way.

"Hug your parents close, and always tell them that you love them. Because that’s sort of our job as children, to love them, no matter where the road eventually takes them. Even if they end up taking the hardest most unfathomable path."

The star added: "But we have each other, and I don’t know how we’d ever be able to see a sliver of brightness and light in everyday without each other to lean on. And the million extended family members, and tribes of friends who’ve held our hearts and our hands over the past two weeks.

"On Sunday we had the traditional Jamaican nine night, and the ancestors were right - it was the most perfect way to release our grief through food, dancing, drink… and joy, with hundreds of friends and family. All organised by our tribe of friends and family. We’re incredibly blessed."

She went on to gush about her 'amazing' father, writing to fans: "Denniston was an amazing dad, step dad, surrogate dad to many, friend, brother, grandad, uncle, cousin and husband. And we’re all just taking it step by step," before she and the rest of her family signed off the tribute.

"From Charlene, Liz, Joshua, Carina, Jade, Gemma, Justin, Soriah, Alfie, Florence, Kairo, Elisha and Shaniya." Charlene also linked to the Samaritans.

Charlene's Loose Women co-stars and friends rushed to provide their support to the grieving star, with Nadia Sawalha posting: "Charlene .. oh my darling I’m in total shock for you . You have such a wonderfully close and loving family .

"Your adoration for your father always shines so brightly when you talk about him . The hugest of hugs." While Coleen Nolan posted: "Oh Charlene so so sorry to hear this news… thinking of you and your family! Love you."

Fred Sirieix commented: "I am so sorry. So sad. All the love," and Jane Moore added: "So sorry for your loss. Sending love."

*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.

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