Lorraine Kelly has joined celebrities in paying homage to her show’s producer, who died of cancer.
Hannah Hawkins’ husband, Tom, revealed her death on November 3rd, prompting the Scottish daytime star to express her sorrow.
Hawkins gave birth to a son two months ago after being diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time while pregnant.
Sharing a gorgeous snapshot of her on social media, cuddling their baby, Tom posted a meaningful remark.
‘For someone whose love language was gift giving, leaving us they day before my birthday was really not the one. I wish you’d kept the receipt,’ he began.
‘There is no way I can pay tribute or sum you up in one post. In fact I could write an essay on how unfair this is. That you miss out on seeing Rory growing up, that he won’t be able to feel the love of his mum, and that this terrible illness took hold so quickly.
‘But that’s not how you saw it. The remarkable person that you were, the phrase you used so many times over the last few weeks – and it set me off every time; “I’m so at peace with the life I’ve lived” is something we can all admire. The fact that right until the end you were putting others feelings first and making us all laugh was just you to a tee.’
Tom continued: ‘Your life can be defined simply by love, friendship and strength and I’ll make sure these are cornerstones of Rory’s life. I want him to know how much everyone loved his mum, and how much love you gave.
‘How you would say to me in any of my dark moments, “Remember you are so loved”. I want him to know that you were someone who could walk into a room of strangers and come out having made friends for life, and that our social calendar was always so full we physically couldn’t fit in everyone we wanted to see.
‘I also want him to know the bravery you showed every day, facing anything life threw at you with the strength of a warrior, a smile on your face and laughter in your eyes.’
Tom concluded: ‘This is the legacy you leave for our little boy, this and so much more.’
‘Thank you for 13 amazing years. 🎆 even brighter than the moon. ❤️ forever’, he signed off.
Honouring the late TV star, Lorraine said it was ‘the saddest news.’
‘Hannah was a very special young woman and I was very lucky to work with her,’ she commented. ‘Cannot begin to imagine the depth of your grief and sorrow Tom.’
‘She did so much to help raise awareness of breast cancer with her hard work and brilliant contribution to our #ChangeAndCheck campaign,’ she added.
‘We will be forever grateful to her – she helped save lives. Sending all my love to you and baby Rory’.
Also paying tribute was Vick Hope, who penned: ‘I’m so so sorry Tom, sending love and strength to you and Rory, this is so cruel and unfair, but so beautifully put: Hannah was and is so loved, and put so much love into the world. Thinking of you and the inspiring legacy she leaves ❤️’
Giovanna Fletcher said: ‘Tom, I’m so sorry to read this. There are no words. It’s simply shit and cruel. Thinking of you and Rory right now, and will be thinking of Hannah always. Xx’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
