BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst has shared a deeply emotional tribute to her late father, Chris, as she prepares to face her first Christmas without him.
A First Christmas Without a Father
In a poignant Instagram post, the 45-year-old journalist reflected on her grief, writing: 'I am missing my Dad as we head to our first Christmas without him. Something is missing in the world and it hurts.' Her father, Chris, passed away in July 2025, three years after being diagnosed with dementia.
Nina's post included a touching email she received from her father's former neighbour, which she said moved her profoundly. The email described Chris as a 'gentleman who was warm and reliable,' someone skilled at casual conversation but dependable in a crisis, and a neighbour who offered wisdom and perspective.
'These are quiet and steady characteristics that are easily overlooked,' Nina wrote. 'Small gestures without fuss adding up to something much, much bigger.' She expressed how beautiful it was that a stranger wanted the family to know they had seen these qualities in her dad.
A Gentle Goodbye and a Flood of Support
Nina, who had previously documented her father's struggle with dementia on social media, shared details of his peaceful passing in July. She spent three days by his side with her mother and sisters, sharing final moments filled with singing, laughter, and memories.
On his last day, they enjoyed nursing home afternoon tea, chippy chips, and wine together. Nina recalled holding him as he passed, saying: 'He drifted away gently with me and Amy holding him and telling him to "go on ahead. We'll see you there soon."' She described it as a 'gentle end to a gentle life.'
Her vulnerable post resonated with thousands, prompting an outpouring of support in the comments section. Followers shared their own experiences of loss, with one writing: 'My Dad died 17 years ago and still miss him.' Another added: 'Sending a hug, it will be our 3rd Christmas without Dad, forever in my heart.'
Remembering a Life Well-Lived
Nina concluded her tribute by emphasising the quiet impact of everyday kindness. 'The world can feel bleak and hopeless but quiet things we do every day hold meaning,' she wrote, alongside literary quotes from Middlemarch and Kurt Vonnegut that echoed this sentiment.
Her sister, Amy, simply commented: 'So proud of him and us,' capturing the family's enduring love and respect. Nina's tribute not only honours her father's memory but also shines a light on the profound, often unseen impact of a life characterised by simple, steady goodness.
