Mollie King has paid a loving tribute to her ‘incredible’ father Stephen as she marked the one-year anniversary of his death.
The Saturdays singer, 36, took to Instagram on Wednesday to pen an emotional message and share an array of photographs with her late father.
Mollie lost her father Stephen last November – days after she had her daughter Annabella – after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour just three months earlier.
Marking one year since his death, Mollie posted photographs of her with her beloved father from over the years, including one from when she was a child.
In an accompanying tribute, Mollie admitted it was a ‘hard’ day and told how she still misses her father ‘every day’ as she spoke about her devastating loss.
Loss: Mollie King has paid a loving tribute to her ‘incredible’ father Stephen as she marked the one-year anniversary of his death
Beloved: The singer, 36, took to Instagram to pen an emotional message and share throwback photographs with her late father (pictured with Stephen and her sisters Ellen and Laura)
She also shared her sorrow at her father Stephen not seeing her daughter Annabella, who she shares with her fiancé Stuart Broad, grow up.
Mollie wrote: ‘A year ago today we lost our most incredible Dad. It’s still hard to say that. I think of him every day but today is especially hard.
‘There are endless times, every single day, where I wish he was here for us to exchange funny stories or for me to ask for his advice or just simply to say hi. But the toughest pill for me to swallow is him not being able to watch Annabella grow up.
‘I know how in love with her he would be and how much he would’ve loved seeing me become a mum… it would’ve undoubtedly given him a good few giggles to see some of my first-time-mum questions, I’m sure.
‘I miss him every day but know he is still here with me by my side, like he always was. Love you more than anything Dad.’
In March, Mollie also paid tribute to her father during Brain Tumour Awareness month to help raise funds for charity.
Mollie wrote about how much she missed her father and how grateful she was that he got to meet Annabella before his passing.
She penned: ‘This month is Brain Tumour Awareness month. I’ve always tried not to let myself think about losing someone I love, it’s too hard to think about, but last year this fear became a reality.
‘In August my wonderful Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour and we had to say goodbye to him just 3 months later.
Grief: Mollie lost her father Stephen last November – days after she had her daughter Annabella – after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour just three months earlier
Emotional: In a tribute, Mollie admitted it was a ‘hard’ day and admitted she still misses her father ‘every day’ as she spoke about her devastating loss
‘It’s still very hard to write about, I’ve been putting off writing this post because it’s easier to push it to the back of my mind and try to keep as busy as possible to cover up the heartache.’
She gushed: ‘Dad was the best Dad you could ask for. So caring, funny, honest and the best Grandpa to the little ones in our family.
‘I know how much he would have adored Annabella and am so thankful that he got to hold her.
‘I think of him every single day and talk to Annabella about him when we’re winding down in the evening.
‘For anyone who has lost someone, you might agree that the nights are the hardest, and talking about him in the past tense is something I hate doing.
‘Dad’s life was cut short and his diagnosis came completely out of the blue – he was out walking Alfie with me the morning that everything changed.
‘Dad was incredibly active, he ran 3 marathons and walked in Richmond Park almost every day. He had so much life left to live.’
Mollie continued: ‘My family have been utterly heartbroken by what this horrible disease did to Dad and want to do all we can to raise awareness and funds for @thebraintumourcharity, who work to help everyone affected by a brain tumour or brain cancer.
‘My sister Laura is running the London Marathon in April for this charity. Dad would be so incredibly proud!
‘If you would like to support @thebraintumourcharity and my sister in her marathon, it would mean the world and certainly help give her that extra push to get to the finish line.
‘Any donation, however big or small, is massively appreciated by us and the charity. Her sponsorship link is in my stories.’
‘To find out any more information about brain tumours check out the @thebraintumourcharity website who share really useful information and offer fantastic support.
Family: In a tribute back in March, Mollie said how grateful she was that he got to meet her daughter Annabella – who she shares with Stuart Broad – before his passing
Grief: Confirming his passing last November, Molly said: ‘Dad, we love you with all our hearts and we will miss you every single day. You have been our hero and it’s impossible to think of our lives without you’
She concluded: ‘Our lives will never be the same after losing our beloved Dad and our love and thoughts go out to anyone whose life has also been touched by cancer’.
Following her father’s death, Mollie revealed he had held on ‘a few extra days’ so he could meet his new granddaughter.
Confirming his passing in November, she wrote: ‘Heartbroken beyond words. In August, my family’s world was shattered when my Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Last week, we had to face the day we hoped would never come and say goodbye.
‘Dad, we love you with all our hearts and we will miss you every single day. You have been our hero and it’s impossible to think of our lives without you.
‘You have always been there for us with every step we’ve taken and you even held on a few extra days to meet baby Annabella.
‘You gave us your everything. You will be in our hearts and our memories every single day.’
