LOOSE Women star Denise Welch has told fans she is “heartbroken” after the death of her beloved dad Vin.
The actress, 63, today revealed he had passed away saying “pneumonia plus his existing pulmonary fibrosis was more than even he could take”.
She posted a picture of her holding his hand on Instagram writing: “The words I’ve dreaded saying all of my life.
“Last night at 11pm, we lost our dad, the life force that was Vin Welch.
“After making a miraculous recovery recently from major surgeries, pneumonia plus his existing pulmonary fibrosis was more than even he could take.
“He left us surrounded by his family who could not have loved anyone more.
“I can’t quite function as I’m so grief stricken, but I know he meant so much to so many people, even those who’d never met him.
“I’ve never seen anyone fight to stay longer at a party than dad and last night was no different. He loved life and lived it to the full like no other.”
The nurses in Ward 6 at Durham University hospital will forever be in our hearts as they gave dad the most peaceful passing anyone could wish for.
“They adored him and he them. Heather, Helen, Lauren, Naz, Chloe, Graham, Debs to name but a few. We will NEVER forget you.
“Love you dad. Heartbroken 
.”
Her co-stars rushed to support her with Ruth Langsford among those posting tributes to her late father.
She wrote: “So, so sorry Denise….he was a one off and there’s going to be one hell of a party in heaven.
“I know your heart is breaking but grief is the price we pay for love. You will carry him with you always. RIP Vin 
.”
Denise’s soap actress friend Tamzin Outhwaite added: “Oh no, I am so so sorry Den… devastated for you. Sending you love & light.
.”
Vin was often mentioned on Loose Women and even appeared at her on-air ‘hen party’ dressed as a bride in 2013.
Denise broke down in tears in May this year talking about how he was in hospital sobbing: “I can’t bear it any more”.
She told her co-stars: “Denise told her co-stars: “My dad actually is in hospital in Newcastle and I just want to say, I love you dad. It’s just been really tough.”
